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Reviewed by: Becki Truelson, High School Librarian Title: The Secret Gate Author: Mitchell Zuckoff Publisher: Random House
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 9-12 Genre/Type of Book: NonFiction
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Discussions of oppression against women, Taliban violence but not graphic Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I love books that help me understand people around the world and their diverse experiences. If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: "Walk toward the sound of gunfire. It is going to be loud and scary", Sam said. "This is the only way to make this happen."
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Review:
On August 16, 2021, I was horrified as I watched video of a US military aircraft taking off from Kabul airport with citizens holding onto the outside in desperation to get out. The US had pulled all troops and the fear of the Taliban regaining control terrified the country. As with many news stories, after that initial video stunned us all, the story faded away from our news stations. However, the story did not end in Afghanistan and the Afghan peoples' worst fears were realized.
This first-hand account tells the story of Sam Aronson, an American diplomat, who volunteered to facilitate the short-term evacuation agreement between the US and the Taliban. He endured suicide bombings at the airport, witnessed the Taliban bullwhipping citizens for no reason as they lined up to evacuate, and he was responsible for enforcing the agreed upon policies that often tore families apart.
Homeira Qaderi, a highly educated Afghan author, divorced woman, and champion for women’s rights, knew she would be a target for the Taliban. The struggle she faced making the decision to leave her home was heartbreaking. She had an 8-year-old son to consider but knew she would have to leave with nothing.
Sam and Homiera come together in a thrilling final scene. It is the last day of evacuations and Sam has received a call from Homiera’s literary agent asking for his help to evacuate Homiera and her son. Sam knows of a secret gate, and he arranges for her to meet him there. What they endure to get her on the plane will leave you on the edge of your seat.
This book is a great example of the reality of human experience in a different part of the world. It left me thinking about the effects of US intervention and war. It also inspired me to research Homiera Qaderi and where she is now.
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For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website
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