Deborah Ellis’ books Parvana and Parvana’s Journey have taught many people about life in war-torn Afghanistan.  This is the third book in the series and it tells Shauzia’s story.

Shauzia is a friend of Parvana, but is in a refugee camp in Pakistan, where she does odd jobs and entertains the younger children. One of the other refugees, Mrs Weera, makes her life difficult so Shauzia decides to venture out into the city, to try and earn enough money to sail to France.  She and Parvana had agreed to meet at the top of the Eiffel Tower one day, so Shauzia takes her few belongings, including her dog Jasper and a precious picture of France.

Shauzia experiences many highs and lows, even dangers.  She spends a night in jail, before being rescued by a rich English family.  The family treat her well but eventually there is a mix-up when they do not understand her good intentions, and she ends up back where she started, at the refugee camp.  Even then, at the end, she is still determined to get out.

This is an excellent book to read if you want to find out about other cultures, and what life is like for people living in war-stricken countries.  Deborah Ellis is a great and author really helps you understand about the struggle of being a child in Afghanistan.

Other titles in the series:
Parvana
Parvana's Journey

Other books by this author:
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 Review by Rebecca Beagley

© 2004 Rebecca Beagley