In the Name of Honor: A Memoir
Mai, a 32-year-old Pakistani peasant, was condemned by her village tribal council in 2002 to be gang-raped. The punishment was provoked by an accusation that her younger brother, 12 years old, had seduced an older woman. The accusation was untrue, but it still held the power to destroy the family honor. After her rape by four men, rather than disappear in humiliation or commit suicide--her first impulse--Mai fought to maintain her dignity and to protect other women from abusive traditions. She asserted humanity for herself and other women by suing the council before the supreme court of Pakistan, winning, and using the funds to start a school for girls. In this amazing collaboration with reporter Cuny, who specializes in covering women's issues and who recorded hours of conversation, Mai presents a portrait of determination in overcoming low caste status and stifling tradition. This inspirational story, which attracted international attention, is all the more powerful told in Mai's own words.Vanessa BushCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved