The Sleeping Buddha

View other editions of The Sleeping Buddha.
View books by Hamida Ghafour.

The Suspicious Buddha - Rated
This book has had reviews from 6 people who each gave it a 5 star rating. 5 of those people reviewed it within a few days of each other and none of the reviewers have ever reviewed any other books before or since.

An English woman's view - Rated
Having read this book I have a better idea of the complexities of Afghan history and politics. More than anything, it was the sadness of leaving your home, your culture and your family, and then returning to find such a totally different place, that struck me most. Those of us who are free and live in "civilised democracies" do not realise how lucky we are. Everyone should read this book.

A thoroughly enjoyable and educational read - Rated
From the moment I picked up the book to the very last page I was captivated by the description and history in the book. Whether you're an Afghanistan-phile or a complete newbie to the subject the book must be required reading. When set against the current problems facing Afghanistan the book is a useful guide to a fiercely complicated history and present of Afghan society.

Moving portrait of Afghanistan - Rated
This book is a joy to read. The author brings the subject to life even though it must have been a painful personal journey, not just when she was a reporter in Afghanistan but when she was writing about her own and her family's past, intertwined as they are with the history of Afghanistan. Yet she has produced such a moving, evocative and clear-sighted book. It is a tremendous achievement. Instead of the usual gloomy media portrayal, Afghanistan emerges in its true colours - a beautiful country and an old civilisation.
Rebecca Eliahoo

A captivating read .. - Rated
You can sink your teeth into the politics and discover a true understanding of how Afghanistan came to be...but the parts that resonated the most for me were Hamida's descriptions of the food and the people. The food's preparation, always seasonal, firey spiced or chilled just left me searching for the nearest Afghan restaurant. And the insight into the people - their tribal culture, mannerisms, hopes, thinking, successes and humour was rich, insightful and rewarding. Best of all is her story, how she fits into this land, and discovers the part of her that is Afghanistan.