Title: Words in the Dust
Author: Trent Reedy
First published January 1, 2011
286 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545261258 (ISBN10: 0545261252)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Golly! Join Calvin and his wild imagination in The Days Are Just Packed. With characters like Spaceman Spiff, Stupendous Man, and the beloved tiger Hobbes, Calvin can do anything he sets his mind to.
Whether he’s battling his arch-nemesis Susie or dodging his mom’s chores, Calvin is always up to something. From building monstrous snowmen to challenging Santa’s morals, this book is packed with adventure and laughs.
And don’t forget the monsters under the bed – Calvin’s got a plan for those too!
Editoral Review
In Words in the Dust, Trent Reedy weaves a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan. This young adult novel offers an insightful glimpse into a culture that is often misrepresented in Western media, and offers a refreshing perspective on the triumph of the human spirit.
The story follows the life of 13-year-old Zulaikha, a young girl with a cleft lip living in a small village in Afghanistan. She is shunned by the members of her community for her facial disfigurement, and must endure taunts and discrimination on a daily basis.
Despite her hardships, Zulaikha dreams of going to school and becoming a teacher, a desire that seems beyond her reach until an American soldier comes to her village and offers her a chance to receive surgery in the United States. At the same time, Zulaikha must grapple with the demands of her traditional, patriarchal family and navigate the expectations of her community.
Reedys writing is simple yet emotive, and does an excellent job of capturing Zulaikhas unique perspective. The storys setting in Afghanistan provides a rich cultural context that adds depth and texture to the narrative.
Reedys sensitive portrayal of the Afghan people and their customs highlights their humanity and encourages readers to look beyond their biases and preconceptions. The novels pacing is steady, and the plot offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
The characters are well-drawn, particularly Zulaikha, who is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist. While the themes of the novel – self-acceptance, cultural identity, and education are not particularly novel, Reedys treatment of them is fresh and engaging.
While Words in the Dust does not have any profound or new insights, the novel does an excellent job of telling a deeply moving story through the eyes of a young girl. One of the novels strengths is its ability to tackle serious issues without being heavy-handed or didactic.
Instead, the story unfolds with a sense of authenticity and grace that is refreshing. One potential weakness of the novel is its simplicity; readers who are looking for a complex, multilayered narrative may find the plot too straightforward.
Additionally, some readers may find the ending somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, as not all loose ends are tied up. Despite these limitations, Words in the Dust is a strong addition to the young adult genre, and a compelling read for both teenagers and adults.
It offers a valuable perspective on a culture and region that is often misunderstood, and encourages readers to think critically about their own biases and assumptions. Ultimately, this is a novel that deserves to be read widely for its insight, empathy, and beauty.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
