Secrets of the Kashmir Valley

Release Date:

New Edition 2022

Page Count:

178 Awards:

2021 Finalist International Book Award

This is a true story Award-winning author Farhana Qazi shares unforgettable stories inside the valley of Kashmir.

Welcome to Wonderland. A place of great beauty and tragedy
Take a journey into Kashmir to discover the mystery, magic and maddening conflict that has affected everyone. In the world’s most militarized zone, Qazi meets female protestors, political activists, and the prime victims of a brutal war. She shares the true, personal stories of women, who struggle, sacrifice, and survive against all odds. To survive, women (and men) hold onto secrets or they die. This book is not about the politics of war but people affected by it.

Kashmir is Heaven on earth
The valley of death is also described as ‘Paradise on Earth.’ Breathtaking mountains, blue-green water, tulip gardens, and ancient castles are all here. Children swim in the famous Dal Lake, backpackers hike up jagged cliffs, and Bollywood stars come to Kashmir for movie scenes.

But in this land of magic and myth, there are madmen and militaries that trample on Kashmir’s beauty. After seven decades of war, Kashmiris go on living. They go to school. They fall in love. They get married. Many have children. They do what seems normal, despite the protests, politics, and paranoia of living in a place that is not free.

Qazi uses powerful storytelling to reveal the secrets of conflict. This book is a heart-breaking reminder that military occupation must end to allow the Kashmiri people to be free.

Note: Resources are included at the end of the book for those who want to educate other readers about what’s happening inside Kashmir.

Warning:
This is an emotional story. The conflict affects girls and women differently and sexual violence is discussed and exposed. This new edition includes events since 2021 which includes India’s bulldozer policy that gives it the power to destroy homes.

From the Author

Writing this book was a painful and emotional experience
When I returned home from the Kashmir valley, I had nightmares of women trapped in a forever conflict. I listened to women (and their men) tell me stories of tragedy, terrible life events and unspeakable truths. As an American outsider looking in, I soon realized I had an obligation to document the womens’ stories so that the West can understand their experiences and desire for azaadi (freedom). And so, I began to write the untold truths of conflict.

In writing this book, my goal is to raise awareness of what’s happening inside Kashmir and call on the world community to stand with the women, who want nothing more than to be free.

Their call for freedom is a basic, human right
I hope that you will take action by telling other people about this conflict, share it on social media, and contact your government to stand with Kashmir. Together, we can affect small change and give the women of Kashmir what they deserve most – the right to live freely.

"Farhana Qazi brings the colors, smells, people and politics of Kashmir to life. The only thing more enlightening would be to travel there yourself.”

PORTER FOX⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“Traveling to Kashmir to meet the women turned out to be one of the most amazing decisions I have ever made. It was also terrifying, and sometimes insane. Kashmir is a place spoiled by war, militants, and a majestic Army. This is not a story I had planned on sharing with the world. But after what I have felt, I had no choice but to write the women’s stories.”

ROSS KAUFFMAN⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“A mother from Texas sets out on a journey to understand one of Asia’s longest running wars and the role of women within it. An academic, a Muslim and as someone who has fought, analyzed and lectured on terrorism, her journey into the cauldron of jihad is fraught with peril. Farhana’s bravery, open-mindedness, intelligence and tenacity take her into danger, real lives, raw emotions and ultimately discovery. This is a book that must be read by those who wish to deeply understand the motivations, lives and thoughts behind women in Kashmir. This book is unique in its perspective, thoughtfulness and human experiences.”

ROBERT YOUNG PELTON⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Qazi’s brilliant book combines her unique personal experience with her deep knowledge of the region, its people and its culture to tell us a story far more informative about today’s events than any intelligence brief. And it is beautifully written–a joy to read."

Brian Michael Jenkins⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"With deep empathy but unblinking candor, Qazi portrays Kashmir and its conflict-haunted inhabitants with a dignity and complexity that is often missing in other accounts. Going where others have feared to tread, Qazi leverages her local heritage and Western analytical training in a way that blends historical narrative, travelog, and reportage into a poignant and colorful portrayal of her own family as well as the lives of women in Kashmir."

Timothy Hollifield⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Kashmir is too often seen through the prism of the violence in and around it due to its geopolitical situation. Farhana Qazi, whose grandmother is from Kashmir, gives us an extraordinarily different perspective with a focus on women. For anyone who wishes to understand this land of poets and mystics, this is essential reading."

Akbar Ahmed⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"A brilliant read. This book reveals why human security is a global issue."

Prudence Bushnell U.S Ambassador⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Qazi gives us insights into rarely visible Kashmir. Her powerful narrative and sensitive, brilliant storytelling, reveal her personal background and in-depth research experiences in Kashmir. A highly skilled writer, Qazi also provides a heart-and-soul connection for the reader that has been featured in organized panels at the United Nations."

Lois A. Herman ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Inspiring. Qazi writes with compassion as she traces the lives of women in Kashmir."

Salman Ahmed⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"In writing both sensitive and beautiful, Farhana Qazi examines the lives and choices of women seeking and creating their empowerment in a place that for six decades has been an object of war. This is an important book for women and for us all."

Diane Thomas⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“Farhana Qazi is a one-woman interdisciplinary team. In this remarkable book, through a series of evocative interviews, Qazi takes the reader into the world of Muslim women in the contested terrain of Kashmir. Drawing on her rich cultural background, she leads the readers to understand how these are individual journeys but at the same time reflect collective identity that is bred in the bone."

Dr. Jerrold M Thomas ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"One of the best journalistic-style books about Kashmir I have seen in a long time. Qazi uses vivid portraits of women and men, using first-hand accounts and urgent facts, to show that Kashmir deserves our attention. This book is invaluable reading."

Dr. Anne Speckhard ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

“Qazi travelled to this land of haunting beauty to interview activists and advisors, protestors and politicians, mothers and martyrs, educators and entertainers, and more. The result is a moving journey through what has been called “the most beautiful prison in the world.”

DEBORAH SCROGGINS⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Other Books