Parvana’s Journey Book Review: A Powerful Story of Survival, Hope and Courage

What is Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis about?

Parvana’s Journey is an inspiring story about survival, friendship, resilience and hope during the darkest times.

Discover our Review and Summary of Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis

Parvana has no one. Her father died of famine, while her mother and siblings are in Kabul, and living in a country controlled by the Taliban is not helping.

Parvana and her father set off in search of their family, but soon, without enough to eat, her father dies, leaving Parvana heartbroken and lonely. She wonders what is left for her.

When Parvana travels to a small, evacuated village, she finds a skinny baby in a wrecked house. They soon become companions, and Parvana names the baby Hassan. Together, they make each other feel happier. One day, while Parvana is trying to catch a chicken for dinner, she spots a few dark figures, recognising them as members of the Taliban. At this point, she gathers her belongings and immediately leaves with the baby.

As the journey continues, they stop at a seemingly safe cave, where they are met with an unexpected surprise – an arrogant boy, named Asif. Together, their journey continues, and over time, the three get to know one another and become more familiar. Soon, they discover a small village where they find work, but food is scarce. They become famished and eventually gather the courage steal a chicken. They succeeded and enjoy a hearty meal, but soon realise they cannot continue living like this forever.

Their journey continues, and they soon discover a great surprise that could change their fate forever. Will they take it, or will it be snatched away like all good things?

My favourite character is Asif because, at first, he seems ungrateful and rude, but as the story continues, it becomes interesting to discover how life experiences shaped him into be the person he became.

My favourite part was when Parvana finds Hassan because it makes her feel like she has a family again. I like this moment because it is very brave of her to save the baby from the destroyed hut and to take on such responsibility.

Is Parvana’s Journey Worth Reading?

This story made me think about how, when everything seems lost, you can take either of two paths: to stay where you are and give up, or take a stride and help others by bringing a little light into their lives.

Overall, this book is a great sequel to The Breadwinner. This book really captured my emotions, and offered another perspective on never giving up hope. Parvana’s journey is a must-read. It is the second book in a series of five The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journey, Mud City, My Name is Parvana and One More Mountain. I recommend that you read The Breadwinner before this one, as it will help you understand the story better.

I rate this book a 5/5 and recommend it to anyone seeking a thoughtful and emotional read.

If you liked Parvana’s Journey, try these other thought-provoking reads:

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, a story of a woman’s life in Afghanistan, filled with unimaginable abuse and hardship.

I Am Malala: An inspiring true story about education, cultural pressure, and the strength of a young girl standing up for what is right.

The Diary of a Young Girl -Anne Frank: A powerful childhood perspective showing emotional resilience, hardship, and historical reality.

Once Series by Morris Gleitzman: Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always. Each book follows Felix at different stages of his life.

The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan, a powerful and emotional story set during the Partition of India.

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson, a powerful World War 2 historical fiction set during the London Blitz.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, an emotional story from a child’s perspective in a controlled/harsh society.

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, which follows a young soldier reflecting on love, family & harsh realities of World War I.