January 4, 2013 / Leslie

Review & Giveaway: Gathering Strength by Peggy Kelsey

Gathering Strength
Conversations with Afghan Women
by Peggy Kelsey

Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Pomegranate Grove Press
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Format: Paperback | 392 pages

Author and photographer Peggy Kelsey traveled to Afghanistan in 2003 and 2010 to photograph and interview a wide variety of women. Her goal was to look beyond the media stereotypes and experience the reality of these women’s lives. The conversations presented in her book allow each woman to tell her story and share her concerns.

Her subjects were a diverse group. They ranged in age from young to old, spanned educational and income levels and social classes. They came from large cities and small villages, others had lived outside the county from a number of years due to war and violence and returned when it was safe to do so. They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, artists, farm workers and even prisoners to name only a few. The women were eager to tell their stories and most didn’t mind being photographed.

The book begins with a brief history of Afghanistan and some background information on the author and the creation of the Afghan Women’s Project. The author strives to present a balanced and fair view although she acknowledges the influence that living in a Western culture has on her writing. Each chapter introduces a group of women of a similar occupation or situation, such as Artists or Educators or Politicians. There is background information and a photo of each followed by a series of questions and answers. The author also provides text to clarify when necessary. The photographs of the women add a personal touch and made them more real to me.

The women’s stories are at times heartbreaking and shocking but always inspiration and hopeful. The conversations with women in prison were especially disturbing. Their crimes were often acts committed by others. I was surprised at the high number of women subjected to domestic abuse but now have a better understanding of why they feel it necessary to tolerate their situation. Divorce is difficult for these women and child custody laws favor the husband. Many of the women risk their lives by doing work that will ultimately improve the situation in their country, displaying courage and conviction that most of us can only imagine.

To understand the women’s stories it’s necessary to learn more about and understand their culture. Change comes slowly, one step at a time, and this important and necessary book leads the way. The strength and optimism of these women provides inspiration for us all. Highly Recommended.

About the Author

Peggy Kelsey received degrees in social work and education before undertaking extensive world travels. A professional photographer and resident of the Austin area since 1980, Peggy was privileged to meet with a delegation of 14 Afghan women who passed through Austin, Texas in the fall of 2002. The strength, humor and resiliency of the women she met was contrary to the media image (at the time) of Afghan women as helpless victims. This dichotomy inspired Peggy to create the Afghan Women’s project and in August and September of 2003, Peggy spent 6 weeks in Afghanistan and returned with portraits and stories of 40 Afghan women.

More Information:
Afghan Women’s Project Facebook Page
Visit the webpage for the author and the book.

Giveaway Details

The author has generously offered a copy for giveaway to one of my readers. The giveaway is open to anyone age 18 or older with a US mailing address. To enter, fill out the form below on or before midnight, January14, 2013 (CST). For an extra entry leave a comment. Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours with a US mailing address.