Customer Reviews

Veiled Freedom

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amy Mallory is a relief worker in Afghanistan, and she has followed her heart and God's direction to work among the people of this war-torn country. Her heart and mind are in no way prepared for what she encounters when she arrives in the country, and by the time she reaches the end of her three-month contract, Amy is seeking real answers to some very difficult questions indeed. Can she really make a difference when she isn't free at all to share her knowledge of Christ's love with others? In a country that operates within such convoluted avenues of deceit and terrorism, can she make any difference at all?

Steve Wilson is a former U.S. soldier that has returned to Afghanistan to fulfill a private security contract for a national political figure. Bitter, disillusioned and heart-sore from his earlier experiences in-country, Steve approaches his new job with a healthy amount of skepticism and distrust. When he encounters Amy Wallace and her relief work among the Afghani women and children, his heart is touched in a way it hasn't been in a long time. And when he begins to secure the perimeters of her non-profit project, he discovers that he still must uncover his own heart's passion toward the people of Afghanistan before he can make a real difference. Will he follow his heart? Or will he continue to perform a duty that is empty of meaning?

Veiled Freedom is a book that has changed my life. For the first time since the September 11th attacks on our country, I think I now have a grasp on what is really taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jeanette Windle has carefully researched and recreated the Afghan culture in her latest novel, and she explores the many different viewpoints through which people view U.S. involvement in this conflict. She also explores the basic beliefs of Islam alongside Christianity, and she reveals the true difference between these two faiths using teachings from the Bible and the Quran. Honestly, I don't know when I have been so deeply moved by a novel!

I don't say this lightly either. Jeanette Windle has written a novel that contains a lot of truth, and it is one that makes you consider every angle of the war in which we are engaged. The powerful picture of God's sovereignty over years of conflict and in spite of flawed human actions and motives was so amazing that I am still just soaking it all in. It's true. It's real. And God is working as never before among His people!

So I'm going to say this...if you don't read anything else, read Veiled Freedom by J.M. Windle. This is current...this is real...this is something we all need to understand within the context of our salvation and God's ability to use our lives to reach others for Him. You will NEVER forget this book! Never! Veiled Freedom...go...buy your copy today

This kind of novel is not my usual reading fare, but I wanted to branch out a bit, so decided that Veiled Freedom looked like a good choice. I was not wrong. Nor was I disappointed.

The novel is told from three distinct points of view, flowing nicely and not at all confusing. This gives the reader the chance to discover just who the main characters are and what motivates them. Though the identity of the third person is not revealed until well into the book, the reader does glean a good sense of who he might be.

I have to admit to only a passing familiarity of Muslims and the Islamic faith, so this novel provided a bit of an education for me. And though I understand the author to be Christian, I didn't feel as though the Muslim faith was slighted, but rather explained. Perhaps revealed is an even better word. And I came away from this experience with more compassion toward the people of Islam than I had before reading Veiled Freedom.

The book stands completely and confidently on it's own, but I can't help wishing that Veiled Freedom is the start of a series.

This book was provided free of charge by the publisher. No payment was provided in return for this review. The publisher had no editorial rights or claims over the content or the conclusions made in this review.

In a few words: Another exciting read by Jeanette Windle that made me want more. :-)

Full Review:

Veiled Freedom. Just the title is intriguing, isn't it? I traveled (virtually) with relief worker Amy Mallory as she bravely headed to Afghanistan, a passion for helping people strong in her heart. Though she's young, she's not (too) afraid, and steps out to help the women of Afghanistan who have no one to turn to. It's quite an undertaking, one not fully supported by the people of Afghanistan, and she finds more than a few obstacles before her. Throw in a good-looking but rough and not-so-well-mannered American soldier that doesn't believe people like Amy can make a difference in Afghanistan, but somehow can't manage to stay away from her... I was hooked!

Veiled Freedom is full of excitement, political intrigue, and mystery. The culture and atmosphere of the Middle East is brought vividly to life on the page - at times I was just so thankful to be in America and not in a place like that... at other times the author made me feel like it's something I should see. Ms. Windle gave me some things to think about when it comes to the Muslim culture... one of the many struggles Amy faces involves sharing her faith with one of the Muslim workers - I really wanted to see how she dealt with it. It can be hard to share our hearts and Christ with people at times in our free United States, but imagine not feeling free to share your beliefs and faith with someone in another country for fear of what might happen to you!

I'm giving this book four out of five stars - it isn't quite as fast-paced as her others, and isn't quite as character-focused as I like (I want to know the characters deepest thoughts and what drives them) but is definitely worth the read. I found it hard to put down and the plot was very well-developed. This would make an AWESOME movie!

The Author:

I am a die-hard Jeanette Windle fan. Crossfire was my first book by this author and I was so impressed with that one I knew I would have to keep tabs on her future book releases. I don't plan on missing out!

I had difficulty getting into this book, and I'm really not sure why, because the opening chapter is captivating. The book follows the lives of Amy Mallory, a Christian humanitarian; Steve Wilson, former military-turned-security personnel; and Jamil, a native returning to his country after being displaced by the war. From the beginning you see how deeply connected the lives of the three main characters are as the groundwork is laid for a riveting, twisting plot.

Windle is an excellent writer, with descriptions so vivid there were times I coughed while reading because I actually felt like I was breathing in the dust over Kabul. She sets up the perfect foil between optimistic, hopeful Amy and battle-scarred, skeptic Steve.

The book is intensely political, and even though it is fiction, it proposes insight into the real workings in Afghanistan and offers suggestive answers to the question of why, after 8 years, the American forces are still needed in the country.

At the heart of the book, the gaping contrast between Western freedom and Islamic fundamentalism is painted as clearly as the contrast between the personalities of Amy & Steve. But rather than set up glorification of Christianity and a bashing of Islam, Windle points out the good and the bad of both societies and how each could learn from each other. I thought this was an excellent exposition. I think so often we focus on what we dislike about the religion instead of focusing on the people who might be hurting under it.

Several times I found myself grieving as I got to know more and more of the characters. It's definitely not a lighthearted read. I was in tears at the end, and I would call the ending bittersweet instead of happy.

The only criticism I have of the book is that it's heavy on technical information, which really isn't my cup of tea. I am not military nor special ops, nor am I extremely close to anyone who is. A lot of the technical terms were overwhelming and confusing. A glossary or reader's guide at the end would have been nice. I think the amount of technical details was what overwhelmed me in the beginning. Then again, I am a woman, and I prefer my emotions to be engaged first when I read something.

Overall I give this 4.5 stars, only because of the aforementioned criticism. It is a gripping, chilling, heart-wrenching read. It has encouraged me to pray for those people half a world away still living in fundamentalist Islamic conditions. If you've ever had an interest in ministry to Islamic nations or Muslim people, I encourage you to read this book.

This book is a multifaceted snapshot of life in modern Kabul--seen through the lenses of an aid worker, a security contractor, and a terrorist. Windle's ability to communicate a sense of place shines. The book gave me clearer understanding of the complexities of Afghanistan, as well as fresh insight into how Christianity can relate to Islam in such a place.

The plot lacks the fast-paced, white-knuckled suspense of Windle's previous books. Instead, it simply transports the reader into the violent rhythm of life in a third-world nation. The writing is clear, rich in imagery, and technically flawless.

Recommended for: armchair travelers, Christians seeking an understanding of radical Islam, Americans evaluating the realism of proposed solutions in Afghanistan

Veiled Freedom was a great book. The beginning was a little slow for me with many terms I was unfamiliar (both military terms and some regional/Afgani words); however, once I got past page 40 or 50, I was totally hooked. It was one I didn't want to put down. I read well into the night and carried the book around with me during the day so I could read it whenever I had the chance!
Amy Mallory travels to Afganistan to work for an aid organization focusing on helping women and children in need. She wants to help change the world and spread God's love. Amy is the strong Christian character in the book; her love for the women and children in her care raises questions from her employee Jamil. He sees truth and authenticity in her, that he hasn't seen in others.
While reading this, I found myself praying for people like the characters in the book: women who are treated as inferiors, countries where you cannot discuss Jesus freely, and missionaries and aid workers who put themselves at risk to help others, to love others.
I do have one complaint dealing with the delivery of the Gospel. Jamil questions Amy about Jesus and his martyrdom, but they do not discuss his resurrection. While he is reading the Bible, there is a brief paragraph about Jamil's thoughts, and during the conversation Amy does touch on Jesus being both man and God. We never hear Jamil's response to this fact. Later, when Jamil is struggling with how to live, he reasons that if it is honorable to live as the prophet Muhammed did, then wouldn't it also be honorable to live as the prophet Jesus. It seems as though he embraced Jesus's teachings but not necessarily Him as Savior. He only felt that love would do more for his country than war. While this is a great beginning, and I am sure that often this is a step toward a relationship with Jesus, following the teaching of Jesus is not enough. I would have appreciated a stronger salvation message.
That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was fast-paced, with mystery and suspense, as well as great characters and interpersonal relationships. I became attached to many and would love to see a follow-up book continuing both Amy's story and Jamil's: one that gives Jamil a real relationship with Jesus. I'd even be interested in reading more about Soraya, Hamida and Rasheed, Steve and Phil, or the women at New Hope. Since to my knowledge there is no sequel scheduled, I'll have to settle for the other Windle books I have waiting for me (Betrayed, Crossfire, and The DMZ). I look forward to reading these and watching for upcoming titles.
[...]

This novel reveals modern day Afghanistan realistically and astutely. Windle juxtaposes the perspectives of three characters: 1) a slightly naive Christian woman, in Afghanistan to start a relief project, 2) an intelligent but rough-on-the edges American security chief to the MOI, and 3) an Afghan native with a tragic past who only wants to please Allah.

Veiled Freedom mixes Western and Middle Eastern culture, politics, and Christian and Islamic spirituality; it has action and mystery while still being a lighthearted, easy read.

The novel's strongest theme is quite relevant: change has to happen from the inside out. No country can force freedom or lifestyle on another country, nor can anyone spiritually 'convert' those who are content as they are--our personal and corporate freedoms must be taken from the inside out.

The only downside was the superficial way in which Christian character, Amy's, faith was portrayed. I felt the novel worked much harder to reveal Islam than Christianity, yet, in this day where not all 'Christianities' are alike, I would have liked to feel that Amy was deeply and desperately connected to God--especially as she's made to be the story's 'model' Christian.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read, deepening my understanding of Afghanistan and its people.

This book gave me a lot to think about. It asked a lot of questions that I ask about my life and ministry (though the situations are vastly different).

One of the tenants of the book that has stuck out to me is the truth that freedom must be chosen. This is one truth that can be hard to live with, especially when you see people choosing the deceit of the enemy that leads only to death. True freedom is found in choosing to bow the knee before the cross of Jesus Christ. True change can occur in people's lives when you live out love the way that Christ loved.

Veiled Freedom is a well worth reading for the honest look at what is happening in Afghanistan today. It is a good story with a lot of thought behind it. I recommend it.

Veiled Freedom is an eye opening story about Afghanistan and what it is like to live there in the present time. Jeanette Windle accurately describes both the Muslim faith and Christianity in her book. If you are looking for a fasinating read, please check out Veiled Freedom. It is a definite 5 Star Novel!

I thought this was very well-written. The characters were sympathetic and interesting, with a departure from the usual one (or two) voices to include three people: Amy, the sweet and earnest aid worker; Steve, the tough and jaded ex-soldier; and Jamil, the troubled Afghani. To me, there were a couple of compelling stories going on at the same time: the relationship between Amy and Steve, and even better was Jamil's journey/friendship with Amy.

It's apparent that the author did a lot of research, and I loved the sense of authenticity in the descriptions of Afghanistan and what it's really like there. This book could easily have veered into either pro- or anti-war territory (and a couple times I thought it was going to) but the emphasis stayed on the characters.

The sole reason I left off a fifth star is because I thought the Steve/Amy storyline was left very unresolved. I was too invested in their characters to leave it the way it was! But if (I HOPE) the author is planning a sequel, maybe the story will continue, and in that case I'd definitely buy it.