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The Taliban Cricket Club

By: Timeri N. Murari
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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Summary

A soaring novel of resilience, hope, strength and tenderness, The Taliban Cricket Club reveals how love can overcome, and outwit, even the power of tyrants.

Rukhsana, a spirited young journalist in Kabul, is summoned to the infamous Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to face its terrifying minister, Zorak Wahidi. A cricket tournament is announced, with the winning team to travel to Pakistan for training and then represent Afghanistan at an international level.

In reality, the idea is ludicrous. The Taliban will never embrace a game rooted in civility, fairness and equality. And no one in Afghanistan even knows how to play cricket, except Rukhsana. But the tournament offers hope - a means of escape for her brother and young cousins. And for Rukhsana, escape is essential - Wahidi wants to marry her, a frightening proposition which will enslave her in his home.

With the help of her cousins, Rukhsana devises an audacious plan that could ensure their freedom. All they have to do is learn to play cricket and win.

©2012 Timeri N. Murari (P)2013 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
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Critic reviews

"A moving, splendidly realised story of courage and grit in modern-day Kabul. I was won over by Murari's uplifting and vastly entertaining tale, which reaffirms the power of friendship, fellowship, and love in the face of all forms of tyranny." (Vikas Swarup, author of Slumdog Millionaire)
"....[A] thrilling climax and atypical story line (one that has roots in real life - the Taliban really did try to put together a cricket team in 2000) make this well worth a read. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns will be especially pleased ." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Taliban Cricket Club

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Absolutely brilliant.

Informative book which was so engaging! Gave me a different perspective on cricket! Brilliant story.

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  • Overall
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Superb story

Graphically illustrates the life of women under the Talib - provides an insight into both Islam but also the constant surveillance exercised by the Talib - I particularly enjoyed the description of rituals

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How I wish this was true

If you could sum up The Taliban Cricket Club in three words, what would they be?

Fantastical, intriguing, sad

What did you like best about this story?

Just the idea that such a thing could happen - what if ...?

Have you listened to any of Sneha Mathan’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not listened

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Where love knows no boundary

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very interesting

Would you listen to The Taliban Cricket Club again? Why?

Yes because I enjoyed it so much the first time and even though I know what happens there may have been bits I missed or didn't appreciate the first time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Taliban Cricket Club?

There were several parts where I wanted to stop listening as I was frightened about what might happen. There were also some nice unexpected moments, and parts where you wonder how women live like that.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripped from the beginning to the end!

Great story of anguish and strife! Great believable characters! Would recommend to others. Top read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful story

I loved this book. There is so much vivid description of life in Kabul. Very special book

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well written , good plot

I enjoyed the story forgetting that it wasn't true , however learning about the Taliban was very upsetting . You don't have to like Cricket to listen to this because that is the connection throughout the book . it is a love story and I thought that some of the descriptions of the letters were beautiful and expressive. "Your words are like honey on my tongue" Couldn't wait to get to the end and it was all the better by listening to it , as I could listen on the way to work and back. Now onto the next audible book

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Somewhat twee

Would you try another book written by Timeri N. Murari or narrated by Sneha Mathan?

Probably not

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It lacked realism, just too predictable and a ridiculous ending. The taliban may an outrageously ruthless and evil empire but they are not this thick.

What about Sneha Mathan’s performance did you like?

She was clear and easy to listen to and her accent added authenticity to the characters.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

I know its a well liked book by many, I just don't think its for guys?

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