A Riveting Insider's Look at Afghan and Muslim Culture Before the Taliban

27/03/2019 06:34

TUCSON, Ariz., March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- After having visions of a strange land since childhood, Cat Parenti left New York and headed for the rugged landscape of Afghanistan, which felt like time traveling to the 12th century. There she fell in love with the people, the culture, and a tall, dark stranger.

In her new book, Afghanistan: A Memoir from Brooklyn to Kabul (Forchianna Publishing), the first of a two-book series, she offers a rare opportunity to understand Afghan life, culture, and beliefs before the Soviet invasion, the civil wars, and the Taliban. She also recounts what it was like to be a gutsy, independent woman thriving in a male-dominated world.

Parenti, who has been interviewed by American media extensively on Afghanistan and wrote four previous books on the country, can talk about:

The sights, sounds, smells, food, ritual and beliefs that led her to fall in love with Afghanistan before the Soviets, the mujahedeen civil wars and Taliban came along.
Being an empowered woman in a male-dominated Muslim world.
Falling in love with a nobleman
Demystifying western beliefs about Afghan/Muslim culture

Praise for Afghanistan:

"Building bridges of cultural understanding and respect ... I thank you for giving voice to the wonderful history and culture of the region." — Hillary Rodham Clinton

"The author takes readers through an innovative personal journey ... a magnetically hypnotizing adventure that is alternately mysterious and unique ... If you want to know what Afghanistan was like before the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban, then [this book] is for you." — Abena Agyeman Fisher, senior editor, NewsOne

"The real story here is the author's love affair with an Afghan from a prominent family ... with vivid writing and an engaging story that kept me on the edge of my seat. It takes a brave woman to do [these] things." — Monica Bauer, award-winning playwright

About the Author

Cat Parenti grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Afghanistan on and off for 20 years. She survived the political twists and turns of Afghan history from King Zahir Shah through the rise of the Taliban and started a successful business selling antique clothing and jewelry to U.S. museums and museum shops. She has given presentations on Afghanistan, including at the U.N., and taught Afghan cooking. She currently lives with her daughter in southeastern Arizona.

Contact: Cat Parenti, (520) 508-0211; 211682@email4pr.com; www.catparenti.com

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