Seierstad is a freelance Norwegian journalist who has spent time in various trouble spots in the world. This book is about time she spent in Baghdad, before, during and after its invasion by America and the UK in 2003.

The US soldiers, as perhaps we all might, ask Iraqis how they feel about the end of the regime, hoping for a positive answer - as if life was so straightforward and simple. Eventually, Aliya curls up in Seierstad's bed and says they say he only cared about himself, she says, in wonder (p321). The title evokes a thousand and one nights, while Seierstad certainly tumbles us from one story to another there is an overarching theme - patience, first mentioned when Seierstad is reading about Gertrude Bell's experience with Arabs. Seierstad first impatiently struggles with the management of journalists in pre-war Iraq, her impatient desire to find a story that she can report on, then like all the rest of us non-Iraqis I suppose, probes and searches for some appropriate, acceptable, and headline worthy reaction to the scale of the events, and eventually, on the one hundredth and first night, just as at the end of The Arabian Nights Scheherazade makes her revelation to her husband so Seierstad's translator says what she has to say too - but again, you still need to be patient.

Lovely transcending thoughts and reflections on writing, feelings of isolation, solitary feelings, family history: That said, I felt the names of the setting took me out of the story a bit, as many streets ended in "Way" and it became repetitive of sorts. The names never bothered me as a child but it just seems more glaring now as an adult. growing up, personal tales, travel (from England to Canada - and a trip to Finland), nature, insights, Fig’s personality and behaviors, and much inspiration makes this a wonderful beloved book.

I removed that section because Rais asked me to," says Seierstad. "But this book went through several editors and we all overlooked that problematic word, genitals. We realised it was a mistake only after Rais focussed on it, and I apologised to him and to his mother for it." A personalised Yappy book is the most pawsome gift for a dog lover! With plenty of ways to personalise, you’ll soon have a unique book that stars your legendary dog. The paw-ssibilities are endless, including features like your pup’s name, photo, icon, silhouette, and even your chosen human’s name and location. What’s not to woof? Put Your Pup’s Name in Lights! Well, I read this book a few years ago. And, I read it twice after that: again a few years ago, and now. The dog's perspective was an interesting view, neat to think of what really goes on in our pet's mind. The author's writing style is eloquent and evocative enough to make the readers feel and comprehend with her story line. The narrative is very mush realistic, and it will feel like the characters voicing their honest opinions discreetly in the ears of the author. Even though it has been translated into English, I felt that the charm of the author and her flair has not been lost in translation. The prose is articulate and really strong and that which leaves room for the readers' own judgement and thoughts. Even if he hardens himself, he still harbours painful thoughts. He has left his half-sister in a helpless situation. Alone with his uncle. He fantasises how he will rescue her. How he will break in when the uncle is lying in a drunken stupor, how he will threaten the man with a knife and save his sister.And I point an accusing finger at all those leftists who claim to believe in feminism but defend excesses Should women in these countries got less rights than what you people take for granted? During the 70s already under-dressed women risked being shot in the legs or having acid sprayed in their faces by the fundamentalists.

Helen Humphreys is the author of five books of poetry, eleven novels, and three works of non-fiction. She was born in Kingston-on-Thames, England, and now lives in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Catherine Doyle on new book The Lost Tide Warriors, a children's adventure full of Irish myth and magicWhile I wouldn't classify Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a 'dog book', I would also be remiss if I didn't mention Fang - and, frankly, all the overlooked superstar dogs of children's books. Is it too much to wish, somewhere down the line, that Fang will tell his own tale? Because surely he is braver than J. K. Rowling has portrayed him (or possibly not!) I like this quote about the joy we get from our relationship with dogs. "It is such a simple thing, walking with or after the dog, watching them take in all the smells and sights of the day. I'm not sure why it conjures up such happiness in me. But like all the happy times I can remember in my life, it is about a sense of being notched fully into the present moment, with no thought or desire outside of that." Born in Norway in 1970, Seierstad studied Russian, Spanish and the history of philosophy at Oslo University. After graduating, she spent a year in Russia, where her father was working as a political scientist. In 1993, she moved to Moscow full-time to study politics. Keen to gain access and speak to Russian government officials, she posed as a journalist and her career took off. I was irritated early on by the way this book was written. I think it encompasses all my other grips about the book. Helen shares a blueprint for her writing process, a method enhanced by the presence of a canine companion. "Writing all day was hard, although not as hard as the loneliness that attended it." "At the beginning of my writing, and my life journey, there was a dog."

Humphrey learned from her dogs that to have traits that are admirable is as good as having traits that are likeable. She remembers this when she creates a character. Also, she tries to find something in common with her characters, whether they are real or imagined, as it makes it easier to relate to them, to inhabit them. Until now. A friend gave me this book as a birthday present and boldly declared that if I didn't like this book, we could no longer be friends. I was entirely intrigued by this very bold proclamation of the novel's greatness, but completely intimidated by this book plastered with adorable doggos with their tongues hanging out. But you know, my friendship was on the line. Seierstad, Åsne; Death, Sarah (2015). One of us: the story of Anders Breivik and the massacre in Norway. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 978-0-374-27789-5. OCLC 879582758. Seierstad, Åsne (2022). Afghanerne (in Norwegian). Oslo: J.M. Stenersens forlag A.S. ISBN 978-82-7201-773-5.The book highlights the effect of suppression on human lives. In this case, freedom of choice for the men, mostly,was taken away first by the Communists, then Mujahedeen and lastly the Taliban. Women never had any freedom neither choice anyway. The impact on the people is enormous as far as restructuring their lives is concerned. And then 9/11 happened and the Americans came. But if I really want to know what is happening now, I will have to consult the internet and the Al Jazeera news channel. It will be an extension of this book. An investigative journalistic report. An artist needs a familiar, a companion with emotional intelligence, innate curiosity, an enthusiasm for the world beyond, but also the capacity to rest contentedly for many hours. What an artist needs, Helen Humphreys would say, is a dog. Khan's nineteen-year-old daughter, Leila, was responsible for ensuring Seierstad's needs were met. Leila was also responsible for cooking, cleaning, and taking care of thirteen members of the family.