Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples (0-374-38025-2) is the new book from the author of Shabanu. This new book tells the story of two women caught in the recent events in Afghanistan. Najmah is a girl happily living in a village in Northern Afghanistan until her father and brother are taken away to fight for the Taliban. Then the bombing starts and Najmah is caught in a series of horrific events that finally leave her as a refugee in Pakistan. The other half of the story is that of Nusrat, an American woman who married an Afghan doctor and came to Pakistan with him. But soon after they arrived, he headed out to start a clinic in Northern Afghanistan. She has not heard from him in months, and meanwhile she has created a school for refugee children.
Staples has created a breathtaking work here. Using present tense, she draws readers directly into the horror of what happens in war. Her use of tiny details to show how life is both different and the same in Afghanistan is beautifully done. The characterization is vivid, allowing these two female characters to stand out strongly against the situation they are caught in.
The entire work is wonderfully evocative and magical. This would make a wonderful read in classes doing modern history or current events.