the breadwinner novel pdf

The Breadwinner‚ written by Deborah Ellis‚ is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the resilience of an 11-year-old girl named Parvana living in war-torn Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Published in 2000‚ the book offers a harrowing glimpse into the life of a young girl forced to defy oppressive laws to support her family. Through Parvana’s journey‚ Ellis highlights the struggles of women and girls in conflict zones‚ making it a significant and emotional read for audiences worldwide.

Publication Details

The Breadwinner‚ a captivating novel by Canadian author Deborah Ellis‚ was first published in 2000. The book is part of The Breadwinner Series‚ which includes four novels‚ and has since become a widely acclaimed work of children’s literature. The English-language edition of the novel has been distributed by Groundwood Books‚ a renowned Canadian publishing house. Since its release‚ the book has gained international recognition for its vivid portrayal of life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

The novel is available in various formats‚ including paperback‚ hardcover‚ and e-book editions‚ making it accessible to readers worldwide. The paperback edition‚ for instance‚ is published by Groundwood Books and contains 160 pages. The ISBN-10 for this edition is 0888996543‚ while the ISBN-13 is 978-0888996546. These details are essential for readers looking to purchase or reference the book.

The Breadwinner has also been translated into multiple languages‚ further amplifying its reach and impact. The novel has been praised for its ability to engage young readers while addressing serious themes such as gender inequality‚ war‚ and resilience. Its success led to the creation of sequels‚ including Parvana’s Journey‚ Mud City‚ and My Name Is Parvana‚ which together form a compelling series.

The book has received numerous accolades‚ including the Peter Pan Prize in 2002‚ which recognizes works that promote peace and social justice. Such recognitions highlight the novel’s significance in fostering empathy and understanding among readers. With its thought-provoking narrative and historical relevance‚ The Breadwinner remains a vital resource for educators and readers alike‚ offering insights into the lives of those affected by conflict and oppression.

For those interested in accessing the novel‚ digital versions are available on platforms like Amazon Kindle‚ Google Books‚ and Apple Books. The PDF format is also widely available for download‚ making it easy for readers to engage with the story in a format that suits their preferences. However‚ it is important to ensure that any digital copy is obtained through legitimate sources to support the author and publisher.

Historical Context

The Breadwinner‚ written by Deborah Ellis‚ is set against the backdrop of Afghanistan under Taliban rule in the late 1990s. This period was marked by immense political turmoil‚ social oppression‚ and human rights violations‚ particularly against women and girls. The Taliban‚ who seized power in 1996‚ imposed strict Islamic laws that severely restricted women’s freedoms‚ including their right to work‚ attend school‚ and appear in public without a male chaperone. These oppressive policies form the foundation of the novel’s narrative‚ shaping the lives of its characters and driving the plot forward.

The story takes place in Kabul‚ the capital of Afghanistan‚ during a time of widespread fear and repression. The Taliban’s regime was characterized by its brutal enforcement of laws‚ public executions‚ and the denial of basic rights to women. This historical context is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by Parvana‚ the protagonist‚ and her family. The novel vividly portrays the transformation of Kabul from a vibrant city to one dominated by fear and control‚ where women were forced to wear burqas and remain largely invisible in public life.

The historical setting also reflects the broader conflict in Afghanistan during the late 1990s‚ including the Third Afghan Civil War. This period saw intense fighting between various factions‚ leading to widespread destruction and displacement. The Taliban’s rise to power and their rigid interpretation of Islamic law created a society deeply divided along gender lines‚ with women bearing the brunt of the oppression. This backdrop of war and societal upheaval is central to the novel’s themes of survival‚ resilience‚ and resistance.

Ellis’s portrayal of life under Taliban rule is both accurate and impactful‚ drawing on real-life accounts of women and girls living in Afghanistan during this time. The novel highlights the ways in which the Taliban’s policies disrupted families and communities‚ forcing individuals like Parvana to take extraordinary risks to survive. By situating the story within this specific historical context‚ Ellis underscores the universal themes of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

The historical context of The Breadwinner serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and oppression. Through Parvana’s journey‚ readers gain insight into the experiences of countless Afghan women and girls who faced similar challenges during this tumultuous period. The novel not only educates but also humanizes the struggles of those living in conflict zones‚ making it a vital tool for fostering empathy and understanding.

Plot Summary

The Breadwinner follows 11-year-old Parvana‚ a young girl living in war-torn Kabul‚ Afghanistan‚ under Taliban rule. After her father’s arrest‚ Parvana disguises herself as a boy to support her family. She faces numerous challenges‚ including oppressive laws and societal dangers‚ while navigating her new role. Along the way‚ she encounters characters like Mrs. Weera and Shauzia‚ who aid her journey. The story explores themes of survival‚ courage‚ and resilience as Parvana struggles to provide for her family in a world dominated by conflict and oppression.

Key Events and Turning Points

The novel The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis unfolds through several pivotal events that shape the protagonist‚ Parvana‚ and her family’s fate. The story begins in the Kabul marketplace‚ where Parvana assists her crippled father‚ who reads letters for a living. This serene opening quickly shifts when the Taliban arrests her father‚ leaving the family without a breadwinner. This event marks the first major turning point‚ forcing Parvana to take on the responsibility of providing for her family.

Parvana’s decision to cut her hair and disguise herself as a boy is a critical moment in the story. This bold move allows her to navigate the oppressive Taliban regime‚ which forbids girls and women from working or leaving home without a male escort. Her transformation into “Parvanai” enables her to venture into the marketplace‚ where she encounters both dangers and unexpected alliances. For instance‚ she meets Shauzia‚ a fellow young girl disguised as a boy‚ who becomes her confidant and friend.

Another significant event occurs when Parvana discovers her father’s letters‚ which reveal his wisdom and love for his family. These letters serve as a source of strength for Parvana‚ reminding her of her father’s resilience and inspiring her to keep going despite the hardships. Additionally‚ her encounter with Mrs. Weera‚ a former schoolteacher‚ introduces a theme of resistance and hope. Mrs. Weera encourages Parvana to continue her education and find ways to defy the Taliban’s oppressive rules.

The destruction of Parvana’s home during a bombing raid forces her and her family to flee to a refugee camp. This event highlights the harsh realities of war and the constant instability faced by civilians. Despite these challenges‚ Parvana’s determination to protect her family remains unwavering. Her journey reaches a climax when she learns of her father’s death in prison‚ a devastating blow that tests her resolve. However‚ she chooses to continue her journey‚ embodying the resilience and courage that define her character.

Ultimately‚ Parvana’s story is one of survival‚ hope‚ and the unbreakable bonds of family. The key events and turning points in the novel illustrate her growth from a vulnerable girl to a strong and determined individual who refuses to give up‚ even in the face of overwhelming adversity.