The Secret Sky: A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan

(Paperback)

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An eye-opening, heart-rending tale of love, honor and betrayal from veteran foreignnews correspodent Atia Abawi Fatima is a Hazara girl, raised to be obedient and dutiful. Samiullah is a Pashtun boy raised to defend the traditions of his tribe. They were not meant to fall in love. But they do. And the story that follows shows both the beauty and the violence in current-day Afghanistan as Fatima and Samiullah fight their families, their cultures and the Taliban to stay together. Based on the people Atia Abawi met and the events shecovered during her nearly five years in Afghanistan, this stunning novel is a must-read for anyone who has lived during America's War in Afghanistan. Perfect for fans of Patricia McCormick, Linda Sue Park, and Khaled Hosseini, this story will stay with readers for a long time to come. * "A suspenseful, enlightening, and hopeful love story." Publishers Weekly, starred review "Riveting plot, sympathetic characters and straightforward narration studded with vivid, authentic detail- a top choice." - Kirkus review "Heartbreaking and heartwarming." - VOYA review

Reviews

Praise forThe Secret Sky

* A suspenseful, enlightening, and hopeful love story. Publishers Weekly, starred review

Riveting plot, sympathetic characters and straightforward narration studded with vivid, authentic detail: a top choice. Kirkus review

Heartbreaking and heartwarming. VOYA review

Abawi writes with a gentle hand as she tells a tale of tribal rituals thats chilling to the bone.Abawis introduction, authors note, and generous glossary supply welcome context for this heartbreaking rendering of forbidden love. Booklist review

"[The Secret Skyis] a tale of the indomitable Afghan spirit of hope and love. Among the many novels set in Afghanistan for young people or for adults,The Secret Skystands alone. Unputdownable. Unforgettable." Trent Reedy, author ofWords in the Dust

The Secret Sky brilliantly captures the magic and the heartbreak of Afghanistan as only someone rooted in its mystery can....This first novel by a top foreign correspondent has the authenticity of raw journalism and the poetry of a gifted writer.A must readfor anyone who wants to understand the contradictions of the Afghan soul. Andrea Mitchell, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and anchor ofAndrea Mitchell Reports

A riveting tale written from the heart....This powerful love story will leave you angry at injustice, and awed by courage. It shocks and inspires. Lyse Doucet,Chief International Correspondent, BBC

The Secret Skyis an amazing combination of utterly searing and beautifully romantic.It was like readingThe Kite Runnera gripping story that gave insight to this brutal yet magical culture. Daphne Benedis-Grab, author ofThe Girl in the Wall

Author Bio

Atia Abawi is a foreign news correspondent who was stationed for almost fiveyearsin Kabul, Afghanistan. She was born to Afghan parents in West Germany and was raised in the United States. She currently lives in Jerusalem with her husband, Conor Powell. You can follow her on Twitter @AtiaAbawi.