Afghanistan: A Memoir From Brooklyn to Kabul (Volume 1)
A native New Yorker, Cat Parenti always knew she was destined for a life far away from there.
After having visions of a strange land since childhood, she left home and headed for the rugged landscape of Afghanistan. Landing in the ancient city of Kabul with its dusty dirt lanes and mud baked buildings, Cat felt like she’d time traveled back to the 12th century.
There she fell in love with the people, the culture, and a tall, dark stranger. In book one of this sweeping two-volume memoir, Cat takes you on an unforgettable journey of full immersion into the sights, sounds, smells, food, rituals and beliefs of the people she came to know and love in this far off land. Her adventures are told with such exquisite detail, you’ll feel as if you are there experiencing them first-hand.
What People Are Saying…
“It can’t get any better than this … gutsy young beautiful Italian American woman from Brooklyn has vivid dreams about a far off land as a child. In her twenties she goes to Afghanistan in the late 60’s; learns to love the land, culture and people; learns to speak the language like a native; ends up living there off and on for 20 years; marries into two noble families; has hair raising adventures; likes to write, keeps a journal, and lives to tell us the tale! Those who enjoy a story of star-crossed lovers, ancient colorful exotic cultures, political upheavals and the trials of war will thrill to this true-life adventure of an American hero in a far off land.”
– Elleyne Kase – Max Wise Publications.
“If one wants to be submerged in to the sights, sounds, and smells of Afghanistan, one only needs to read this book. The author takes readers through an innovative personal journey. . . a magnetically hypnotizing adventure that is alternatively mysterious and unique. . . A dull moment is rare. If you want to know what Afghanistan was like before the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban, if you’d enjoy riding the inexplicable heartbeat of love, then (this book) is for you.”
– Abena Agyeman Fisher, Sr. Editor NewsOne
“The real story here is the author’s love affair with an Afghan from a prominent family, and her genuinely harrowing experiences during the Soviet-Mujahedeen war with vivid writing and an engaging story that kept me on the edge of my seat (with) a large cast of colorful characters. It takes a brave woman to do (these) things. This . . .woman’s story takes place in a culture with very different notions of the place of women. Some of the most fascinating parts of this book are . . . when the author is in conversation with local women about the role of women.”
– Monica Bauer, Award Winning Playwright
“The book is a deep insight into the Afghan life and psyche….and I marvel at your adventures. You were very brave to have ventured out to this part of the world all alone.”
– Mrs. S. Rashid
“Building bridges of cultural understanding and respect and I thank you for giving voice to the wonderful history and culture of the region.”
– Hillary Rodham Clinton
“The time, thought, and effort that were invested in this book are readily apparent. In a readable and approachable manner, the author has told an honest story, one that many people will be fascinated by. She has taken the reader on a trip to a distant land with an unfamiliar culture, without him or her having to leave the house!”
– Eloquent Books Publishing.
“Exceptionally well written, Afghanistan: A Memoir From Brooklyn to Kabul is an inherently fascinating account…candidly presented, and a thoroughly impressive personal story that is unreservedly recommended.” — Small Press Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
Thrill to this true-life adventure of an American heroine in a far-off land. Cat Parenti’s journey takes dramatic turns when her love relationships end tragically and the Afghan way of life implodes under Soviet occupation. All-out war and relief efforts for desperate refugees put Cat on the forefront of this life and death struggle.
Larger than life personalities and destinies create an enthralling tale that runs the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll experience triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow, from the rich ship owner to the honorable servant; from the new bride to the ostracized son.
Afghanistan: A Memoir from Brooklyn to Kabul Book 2 gives you a front row seat to it all as Soviet occupation and war turn everything upside down. Fighting for your life becomes the main concern. From one moment to the next, the choices are be a rebel in your own land, a foreign sympathizer, or an immigrant in a new country.
“Wow! What a story! What a life! What an accomplishment! Women need to read stories like this. Your love story is just as dramatic as any Hollywood movie.”
— Marsha Scarborough, author of Honey in the River and Medicine Dance
