18 Sep 2020
An Eye-Opening Journey of Change
We are studying the novel Parvana by Deborah Ellis for the Year 8 English Change unit of work and I also read the sequel Parvana’s Journey. I thought these books were very interesting pieces of fiction based on real events. I really enjoyed reading about the different stages in the childhood of the young girl Parvana. I think her journey to overcome major changes and challenges as a young girl growing up in Afghanistan is inspiring.
The biggest change Parvana experiences in the book creates a solution that literally saves her family from starvation. I’ll let you read the book yourself if you want to know what that change is though. These books are the first 2 of a series of 4 books which were made into a successful animated film called ‘The Breadwinner’ in 2017 which can be seen on Netflix. The film was produced by the actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie.
These books provided me with a greater understanding of what both women and men must go through in Afghanistan, living in fear of the Taliban. Both books were very intriguing and made me open my eyes about what other people around the world go through on a day to day basis just to survive. These books help us understand how rough life really is for some children around the world, like the character Parvana and her sisters and brother who are constantly going through tragedy and hardship.
I would definitely recommend these books to any person who enjoys reading books based on real life events. I give both books 4.5 stars out of 5
Book review written by Lucy Neaves, 8 Blue English student
(edited by 8 Blue English Teacher Ms Brooks)