La Prisonniere

In reading this I felt for Malika and her family. When the story ended I was left wanting to know more about how their lives were after they were released and tried to integrate back into society.

I am not usually one to read non-fiction, but I chanced this book after seeing the Oprah's Book Club stamp (though I usually don't put a whole lot of faith in that) and reading the teaser on the back.
What an unbelievable book - I'm so glad I picked it up. Actually, once I started, I couldn't put it down from the first page onwards. It's hard to imagine what Malika and her family suffered for so long. I often found myself looking at the dates and saying, wow, I was doing this when they were still in that place. Completely incredible.

If you're unsure about picking up this book, don't hesitate, you won't be sorry.

My first thoughts upon completing this novel was that it is truly inconceivable how something so horrible could happen in today's day and age. Malika Oufkir recounts the horrors of what her family went through while speaking so proudly and fondly of her ethnic background. For a woman who has been a prisoner for the majority of her life, it is truly incredible how far she has come. She is a proud and extremely strong woman who has surpassed the horrors of prison, abuse, starvation and abandonment. It is unbelievable how one person's determination to survive led to her family's escape after over 17 years in prison. The author, Michelle Fitousee, does an extraordinary job of detailing the events of this tormented family who survived the terrors of prison through their humour, courage, and extreme will to live.

This story is truly breathtaking and will make any reading appreciate freedom and the everyday moments which we take for granted.

I think this book is very inspirational for people that are going through things like Malika, and having to be strong for herbrothers and sisters.