37 pages • 1 hour read
Gayle Tzemach LemmonThe Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells the true story of Kamila Sidiqi, a young Afghan woman who, under the oppressive Taliban regime, risks her safety to become a successful fashion entrepreneur and support her family by teaching other women tailoring skills. Readers may encounter descriptions of the harsh treatment of women under the Taliban.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon beautifully captures resilience amid adversity, highlighting the courage of Afghan women during Taliban rule. Praised for its inspiring narrative and detailed portrayal, it is sometimes critiqued for oversimplifying complex issues. Overall, it is a compelling read that emphasizes hope and strength in the face of oppression.
Who Should Read The Dressmaker of Khair Khana?
A reader who would enjoy The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon appreciates inspiring true stories of resilience and entrepreneurship, particularly those set against challenging socio-political backdrops. Fans of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn will find similar themes of female empowerment and perseverance.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
1090L