Words in the Dust - Tapa blanda

This is a harrowing tale of adversity and aspiration...This is a very accomplished piece of work, poetic and emotive, with a considerable empathy for the female characters who are realised with great delicacy. (Books for Keeps)

A tale of humanity amidst the outrages of war and conveys a strong message of hope growing out of disaster. (Parents in Touch)

A touching story of one girl's dreams. (The Voice)

The setting is vivid, with wonderful details and insights. Characters are well developed and believable; Zulaikha's powerful story draws the reader in. (Bookfest Ireland - Recommended Reading Guide)

A deeply felt, honest, and I would think, perceptive attempt to get under the skin of another culture. (Books for Keeps)

Christmas Books of the Year: Sensitive and empathetic... I like the way Reedy presents cultural differences and breaks down stereotypes. (Independent on Sunday)

The themes delivered in this tale cross the boundaries of culture and upbringing, allowing teenage readers the world over the chance to empathise with Zulaikha and her battle with her physical appearance, her identity and the need to fit in. (School Librarian)

"Remarkable ... It's a real page-turner. Trent Reedy has evoked the sights and sounds of Afghanistan with a sure hand. Zulaikha is a compelling character who lingers in the mind long after one has finished reading the novel." - Elizabeth Laird

Zulaikha hopes. She hopes for peace, now that the Taliban have been driven out of Afghanistan. She hopes for a better relationship with her hard stepmother. And she hopes one day even to go to school. Then she meets Meena, who offers to teach her the poetry she once taught her mother. And the Americans come to the village, promising not just new opportunities, but surgery to mend Zulaikha's face. But can Zulaikha dare to hope they will come true?
Trent Reedy's breathtaking first novel is based on his experiences serving with the US Army in Afghanistan and, in a land where hidebound traditions clash with an emerging desire for freedom, offers humanity and hope.