DAUGHTER OF DESTINY

by Benazir Bhutto

I honestly don’t remember how this book got on my reading list, except I think it was mentioned in another book.  Perhaps Hillary Clinton’s most recent? However it came to me, I picked it up knowing almost nothing about Bhutto, her family or Pakistani history.  My only understanding going in was that she was the first female prime minister in the Muslim world.

Daughter of Destiny is unsurprisingly, incredibly well-written and intelligent, in addition to being full of love for her family and her country.  It is also unbelievably brutal to read. Bhutto’s exhaustive descriptions of torture, murder and imprisonment are beyond appalling.  It gets to the point where it almost feels routine as she describes wave after wave of people taken by the military regime because they, or their family members, hold different political views.

Bhutto also gives a clear and precise accounting of how the politics and government of Pakistan grew and changed from the early 70’s to the early 2000’s. She masterfully engages and untangles foreign influences and support and reveals many behind-the-scenes deals and details to which she had a front row seat.  This is not a light book, nor does it end in triumph. But, Bhutto includes a lot of hope and I am glad for her introduction to Pakistan, with all its complications.

I would also like to recommend I Am Malala. Quite by chance I read this book less than a month after finishing Daugher of Destiny. The two books make excellent companions. Having learned about Bhutto’s life and struggles made me appreciate how many of Malala’s experiences were made possible by Bhutto, and how the struggle for human rights continues in Pakistan to this day.  These are two incredible women and two incredible books! (Lily)