I am posting this review of Moon At Nine by
Deborah Ellis just as our school is joining in the observation of a “Day of Silence.” Ellis, award
winning author of Breadwinner and Kids of Kabul, has crafted
another memorable novel set in the Middle East. Based on actual events, she
writes this time about Iran in 1988, several years after the Revolution and
overthrow of the Shah. Her main
characters, Farrin and Sadira, form a bond and deep affection for each other.
That is extremely dangerous for them, in a society filled with many secrets and taboos.
Like Breadwinner and non-fiction Kids of Kabul, Moon At
Nine lends itself to classroom discussion and readers will quickly empathize with the characters. There is a helpful appendix with
suggested questions and contact information for Amnesty International and several other
human rights groups.
In her author’s
notes to Moon At Nine, Ellis reflects on her life as a writer and
a proud, gay woman, noting that homosexuality is illegal in 70 countries around
the world and punishable by death in 7. Her publisher provides more information
through a Q&A
with Deborah Ellis which contains “insight into the process of
telling a difficult true story to young people; the state of LGBT rights in
Iran and around the world; and Deborah's advice to young people facing
persecution.”
Much to think about on this day – more titles
and reading suggestions are on display and available through the public
Resource List called Day of Silence in our catalog.
