One Woman's War: Da (mother)

Brief Summary

One Woman's War: Da (mother) by Zahrā Ḥusaynī is a compelling narrative that intertwines autobiography with the oral history of the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988. The book recounts the life of Zahra Hoseyni, a seyyedeh—female descendant of the Prophet Mohammad—whose Kurdish family sought refuge in Iran after their expulsion from Iraq. The story unfolds in three parts: the author's early life and adjustment to Iran, her intense involvement during the initial weeks of the war, and her personal recovery and adaptation to life with her family after the conflict. Through her experiences as a nurse, combatant, and survivor, Hoseyni offers a unique perspective on the breakneck transition from personal to national turmoil and resilience.

Main Themes and Topics

The book offers a rich exploration of themes such as displacement and identity, capturing the struggles of Zahra Hoseyni's Kurdish family as they resettle in a foreign land. Central to the narrative is the theme of women's roles in wartime, highlighting, with raw detail, Hoseyni's bravery and resilience as she navigates tasks traditionally reserved for men, such as performing as a combatant and caring for the dead and wounded. One Woman's War: Da (mother) emphasizes endurance, family, and the complexities of cultural and religious identity, as seen through the experiences of a woman standing on the precipice of a life-altering conflict.

Writing Style and Tone

Zahrā Ḥusaynī's writing style in One Woman's War: Da (mother) imbues the narrative with vivid clarity and emotional depth. The tone oscillates between somber reflection and insightful resilience, effectively capturing the emotional spectrum associated with war and displacement. Her straightforward and evocative style enables readers to feel deeply connected to the events and characters she describes. Through gripping and sometimes harrowing details, Ḥusaynī paints a poignant picture of a woman's capacity to persist and find strength amid pervasive chaos.

Awards and Recognition

While specific awards for One Woman's War: Da (mother) are not directly mentioned in the text, the book has been recognized for its contribution to the documentation of the Iran-Iraq War from a unique and often underrepresented perspective. Its role in expanding the narrative scope around women's participation in conflict zones adds significant value to both historical and cultural discourse.