Book Review- ONE HALF FROM THE EAST

ONE HALF FROM THE EAST

BY SADIA WALI

Where are you from I asked she smiled in mockery and said One Half from the East one half from the West .One half made of water and earth one half made of heart and soul one half staying at the shores and one half nesting in pearl

(From the poem “You are Drunk” by Rumi)

One Half of the East is an excellent title that will offer students a window into life in Afghanistan and open interesting, age-appropriate conversations about gender expectations and roles in different countries." -Starred review, School Library Journal

The sentimental story of two girls named Obayda and Rahima  is a struggle between hope  and hard realities, trying to define their self in a world where emotions and feelings are not preferred to norms and traditions. Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune. Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life was very different and Obayda’s father almost never left his room.

The story took a drastic change when Obayda’s khala named Khala Aziza suggested to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.  The tradition of bacha posh in Afghanistan is a remarkable way to explore what it means to be a girl. Families without boys physically transformed their girls into boys. Once girls reach puberty, they are changed back into girls. This tradition portrays gender roles, identity, and discrimination in society, implying that boys are better than girls. Undervaluing girls exists in every society; even our society portrays women as inferior to men. Girls are barred from school and forced to get married at early age when young girls have earnest desire to study and learn.

The idea of bacha posh astonished obayda and her elder sisters, Neela, Meena and Alia. Obayda was taken into the courtyard of the home by her mother and sisters. Her hair was cut short and dress up like a boy. Her name was changed to Obayd. According to her mother, “ Obayd is a boy. He needs the meat if he is going to be stronger.” The best food cooked was first served to obayd like two big pieces of chicken or drumsticks.

  Obayda thought, “I was the victor, the conqueror, the man.”

After summer vacations when school resumed, Obayd felt shy and embarrassed among boys. “Iam now in weird place between both  worlds.” Trying to act like  a boy is like learning a whole new language. I am really struggling to find words.”

Obayd found another bacha posh in the school. Rahim was three years older than Obayd. He also faced a tough time like Obayd but he became strong by time. The first time he looked at Obayd he uttered these words,

 “I know you because Iam you.” These words surprised Obayd.

Readers enjoyed the friendship of both the boys; Rahim would guide Obayd at every stage. Both the boys enjoyed various adventures. The first adventure was making a walking stick by Obayd for his father. The stick was made with ledge and thick fabric.

The second adventure was going to a mountain side to look for a waterfall which has mythical significance. There is always a rain bow in the waterfall. Those who stand under it, their desires are fulfilled. Obayd’s father believed that it changes boys to girls and girls to boys. Both the boys wanted to stand under the waterfall as they wish to be completely transformed into boys. Unfortunately, it was a tiring journey, they could not reach the waterfall as it grew dark and they feared harsh reaction from their parents.

The story took a serious turn when Rahim faced torturous attitude from his family and his father forcibly stopped him from going to school. He was changed back to girl and married to a cruel warlord of the locality named Abdul Khaliq. The moment Obayd learnt everything; the words of Obayd deeply moved the readers and brought tears to their eyes.

“I can’t forget about him. He is my best friend!” That is the truth. He is the one who made everything. I would have lost without him, fumbling through school confused about I was supposed to do or be.”

How Rahima looked up to be a bride, Obayd was anxious to see her. He left his home one morning to meet Rahima. The place was familiar to Obayd as both the boys went for adventure earlier. A big Haveli of Abdul Khaliq was located near the mountains. Obayd got the opportunity to see her.

“How could this have happened to someone like Rahim? Where is the bocha posh who taught me how to stand without falling?

 “She wipes a tear with the back of her hand and sniffles. I can’t believe how much things have changed in just a few days”. Rahima and Obayd departed after a brief sentimental and emotional meet up.

In the last part of the story, Obayd was transformed into girl again for two reasons. Obayd mother was expecting another baby and he might be a baby boy. Secondly, after losing friendship with Rahima Obayd became more confused, he went up to the waterfall and passed under a rain bow. Obayd parents felt he had lost his mind and he should be changed into girl soon.

According to Obayd, “My parents have decided to turn my world upside down for the second time.” I don’t know what I am.”

The author words for Obayd, “I woke up yesterday as  a  boy. Today I woke up as girl who looks like a boy. Iam either a new person or I haven’t changed at all.”

The story wholeheartedly tried to convince the readers that the gender of the child does not matter when it comes to love and affection; especially in case of bacha posh when girls are transformed into boys. Life was confusing for Obayda . How she felt being a girl then a boy and again a girl. Her life is a struggle to define herself in One Half from the East. It also implies hope and happiness amidst the hardship.

The last captivating words of the author, “You are the best of both the world- one half of the east  and one half of the west.”

Lastly, I being a reader felt:

Life is a struggle. Life will throw curveballs at you, it will humble you, it will attempt to break you down. There are times in your life where you’re challenged, where nothing seems to be going right, where tragedy strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces. In some cases, being strong is simply about being able to persevere through extreme adversity. It can be something horrific like the tragic loss of a loved one, or something difficult and trying like getting laid off. It can also be emotional trauma, like recovering from a divorce or a tough break up.

Life was never meant to be easy – it’s a constant struggle, with extreme lows and extreme highs. Remember that the times when it’s most important to persevere are the times that you will be most tested. These experiences leave us feeling weak and hopeless. But that’s no reason to stay down for long. No matter what you’re going through in life, other people just like you have gone through the same or worse and come out stronger on the other side. It’s the inner strength, courage and sheer persistence that keeps you strong and never give up. Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.

Hope you will also enjoy reading the book as much as i did