I am Malala

The Noble Prize winner who is talked about a lot but whose book many didn't read - so here is the review

I am Malala: The Girl who stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban
By Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb.
320 pages, Orion Publishing Group
Available in different formats.
Genre: Non-fiction

Are you aware of the struggle a girl has to go through in North West Frontier Province of Pakistan to get an education? Why was Malala shot? Who exactly are the Taliban? What do you know of Swat valley and the people who live in it? These are some of the questions asked and answered by Ms. Yousafzai in her amazing book, I am Malala.

From a child seated on the lap of her father listening to him and his friends talking politics and education in the Swat Valley before the Taliban to being operated in a hospital in Birmingham, to grilling Pakistan General Kayani about why the army was unsuccessful in capturing Fazlullah to being just a teenager in school who is competitive in class and enjoying picnics with her friends, the narrative of Malala spans decades of political history intermixed with her story laced with humor. It is hard to believe she is just 16 years old as the penmanship is that of a mature political analyst who understands what is going on and is trying her best to explain it to others. Maybe this is because of co-author Christina Lamb who is a veteran journalist covering Pakistan and Afghanistan for decades. Most importantly, it is amazing to see what she has gone through for education and will definitely inspire school drop outs, to think again as many take education for granted in other countries. Throughout the book, her fearless attitude towards the Taliban and her love for her parents shines through, especially for her father.

The style of writing is no nonsense but the prologue sets the mood and tone for the rest of the book as even the most hardened person on Earth will be moved by it. The book's title is Malala's answer to the Taliban. The book is insightful, informative rich with history but more importantly tells the story of a people whose story has not been read and puts a face to people who are just termed "Pashtuns" and to places "Swat Valley" and "North West Frontier Province" which are subjected to American drone attacks. She even explains why Pashtuns don't say thank you as it is just a phrase and they believe kindness should be reciprocated through action and not just words.

Malala Yousafzai is clear about what she wants - education for all but more importantly has a vision for the future of Pakistan and hope she gets to go back and fulfill it as she is no flash in the pan and is a world figure to contend with in the years to come. I truly believe if there is anyone in the world who can defeat the Taliban, it is this girl and girls like her in Pakistan. A must read book.

© 2013 by Deepa Kandaswamy

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