MY FORBIDDEN FACE Growing Up Under the Taliban: A Young Woman's Story

She could be the girl on the National Geographic cover. Before the Taliban takeover, Latifa's life revolved around school, friends, parties, and movies. Suddenly, she was confined to her apartment, unable to venture out uncovered by the hated burka. She and her family were spared the horrific fates of some of Kabul's residents but, in the end, lost nearly everything but their lives. With her exotic voice and exquisite diction, Brychta is Latifa. You won't doubt for a moment her fear, boredom, shock, or sorrow. What comes through most clearly is her indignation at the treatment of women and the fact that most of the world ignored it. Her relief at escape to Pakistan, and a single drink of fresh water, is palpable. She is safe now, in Paris, but her story, like the eyes of the cover girl, will haunt you. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]