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Between Two Worlds: From Tyranny to Freedom: My Escape from the Inner Circle of Saddam
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Zainab Salbi was eleven years old when her father was chosen to serve as Saddam Hussein's personal pilot, her family often forced to spend weekends with Saddam where he watched their every move. As a palace insider, Zainab offers a singular glimpse of what it is like to come of age under a dictator and provides an intimate portrait of the man she was taught to call "uncle."
Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2008
I loved this book not just because it was a fantastic read, but because it teaches us about history, culture, & life. I couldn't put it down & spent time thinking about this book & the author long after I finished it.
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Posted November 20, 2007
A very good read! Finished it in a weekend. I learned a lot and it just solidified my feelings that lie beneath, suppressed because of the hate. The story is about the tragic lives of those around Hussein who had to act a certain way, be a certain way, always in fear. This young girl grew up too close to this dark world of a tyrannical, manipulative dictator, and the religious wars surrounding her.
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Posted June 6, 2007
I couldn't put this book down. It was a very interesting and insightful personal story. However, if you are looking for an informative book about the Iraqi dictator, this would not be a good choice. This book raises many more questions than gives answers.
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Posted January 27, 2007
I was profoundly touched by the story. It¿s a sincere, emotional, sensitive, and reality book. I touched the author pain and anger throughout the pages. The author describes the tyranny under the regime of Sadam. Zainab finally overcome the fear and speaks up for her right and rights of others for letting people know what Iraqi people went through. And that was very hard step to take. It¿s hard to be imprisoned for a long time and that what she, her family, and all Iraqi were. They always lived in fear for their lives and the life of their families and were not themselves. They always have to be careful what they say and what they do because there always eyes watch and ears who listen and can tell (spies or informers). Some were able to escape abroad, others could not. She and her family decided to stay and suffer and not suffer in some ways. During that time, violence created in many ways: Rape, assault, killing, imprisoning, classification (racism+ discrimination+ ethnic cleansing), transferring, etc. There were no boundaries for violence. Being a president of Iraq at that time or a high authority allowed people to act as they wish without laws. They are the ones who implement laws for themselves. Her mom asked her: ¿Not to be a bird in cage. Be independent and free, never let anyone abuse you.¿ Zainab mom staid in the cage for a long time, even before she died and was not able to tell Zainab enough about what happened to her. But Zainab was able to escape the fear and to do what her mom could not do. Her mom was so proud of her. I sensed the tremendous bond between a mother and daughter. It touches a person heart. It was hard to put it down. There are times you will laugh and times you will cry. I highly recommend this book A+++ Darling book lots of people can relate to it in many ways: love, hate, loss, gain, fear, escape, silence, voice¿ups, downs. Enjoy:)
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Posted January 23, 2007
A+++ book Sincere and reality book. Describes the tyranny under the regime of Sadam. Zainab finally overcome the fear and speaks up for her right and right of others, for letting people know what Iraqi people went through. It¿s hard to be imprisoned and that what she, her family, and all Iraqi were. They always lived in fear for their lives and the life of their families and were not themselves. They always have to be careful what they say and what they do because there always eyes watch (spies or informers) and ears who listen and can tell. Some were able to escape abroad, others could not. Her mom asked her: ¿Not to be a bird in cage. Be independent and free, and never let anyone abuse you.¿ Zainab mom staid in the cage for a long time even before she died was not able to tell Zainab enough about what happened to her. But Zainab was able to escape the fear and to do what her mom could not do. Her mom was so proud of her. I sensed the tremendous bond between a mother and daughter. It touches a person heart. There are times you will laugh and times you will cry. Very emotional, sensitive, and sincere writer who made me touch her heart for awhile and feel her pain and anger. To the writer: I wish I can meet you someday and I wish you can read my message. Thanks ya 3asal (in Arabic ya 3asal means, honey). I was touched profoundly by your story. I really appreciate your courage, personal, and what you are doing. Darling book, highly recommended lots of people can relate to it in many ways. I could not put the book down. Thank you so much!!!! And I hope that all people live in peace and not to be racist and classify people hopefully people become more human and learn from history..And not because a person is a president or in a high status, that allows him or her to be cruel or create violence. God bless you and all women such you are who likes to make the world different!!! Sincerely, Fida
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Posted February 13, 2006
This book chronicles the life of a priviledged girl living under Sadaam's rule of tyranny. She details how tense and uncertain life with Sadaam really was. Her life story is amazing and her accomplishments are a testament to her courage and perspective. The story is very well worth the read. Unfortunately the writing isn't as spectacular as the life behind it.
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Posted January 23, 2006
I am so glad that I read this book - I learned a lot. The author tells an amazing personal story while sharing about the country and culture of Iraq. She acknowledges that her experience was from a privileged perspective, but she humbly takes you into the reality of Iraqi life under Saddam Hussein for all people. The recounts of her personal meetings with him are chilling and her family's struggle to come to terms with the relationship is very human. Salbi is an extraordinary person who is not only a survivor but has excelled by the incredible things she has done for others through her organization and her personal relationships. Her strength in caring for others is a wonderful lesson in the human spirit. Thank you to her for sharing her story.
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Posted October 15, 2005
I could not put down this book. It records the author's life in Iraq in a family close to Saddam Hussein, her life after she was sent to America to escape him, and the formation of Women for Women International. The author is an extraordinary person, who, after suffering in her own life, decided to help women in countries where they have also been persecuted and set about organizing an effective charity. This book helps to illustrate the insidious evil of Saddam, charismatic as he was, and it reads like a good novel. It deserves to be a best-seller.
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Overview
Zainab Salbi was eleven years old when her father was chosen to serve as Saddam Hussein's personal pilot, her family often forced to spend weekends with Saddam where he watched their every move. As a palace insider, Zainab offers a singular glimpse of what it is like to come of age under a dictator and provides an intimate portrait of the man she was taught to call "uncle."