Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples is a beautifully written story about the survival of the human spirit. It’s told from the alternating points of view of two characters whose lives are irrevocably changed due to the war in Afghanistan. As the book unfolds, the reader is quickly drawn into the lives of the female main characters. Though one is a young Afghani girl and the other an American transplanted in Pakistan, the feelings of longing, fear, despair and ultimately hope are shared by both.
I think the fact that this book takes place within a month after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 is significant for a contemporary American audience. For days and weeks and months following that infamous day, I watch countless hours of new reports about what had happened to Americans. Far from my mind was what was happening in the Middle East. As far as I can remember, I cannot recall having heard of the Taliban prior to 9-11. Under the Persimmon Tree educates the reader about what lives were like in Afghanistan both before and after the Americans were attacked.
I also think that Suzanne Fisher Staples does a beautiful job of depicting the Muslim faith. Far too often the only image portrayed of Muslims is the crazed extremist. I often thought that if I were Muslim, I would be very angry at the terrorists for using my religion to support their war. Through her studies, Elaine (Nusrat) comes to see that “moderation, peace and hope were more characteristics of Islam than the warlike stereotypes she was familiar with. (pg. 138)”
This was not an easy story to read; war, murder, persecution, hunger, despair, longing. But it is an important story to read. In simple terms, it brings to light, for both middle-school aged children as well as adults, the plight of the people in the war-torn regions of the Middle East. For me, Najmah represents the innocence lost under the Taliban regime. She also represents love of family, country and way of life as well as hope. Her faith in her ability to return to the family farm represents to me the faith that the people of Afghanistan have in their ability to return to their country in peace.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about Islam and Afghanistan. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes to read about women who possess a strong sense of self. Through all of the chaos and fear, Nusrat and Najmah do not loss faith. Though afraid and deeply saddened by their losses, they stay true to themselves. That is a universal message. One to be learned and treasured no matter your nationality or religion.
