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Saved By Her Enemy: An Iraqi Woman's Journey From The Heart Of War To The Heartland Of America (2010)

by Don Teague(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1439159106 (ISBN13: 9781439159101)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Howard Books

review 1: I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars on this book. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend but I don't think it fell into my 'best book I've ever read' category which is reserved for 5 stars only. It was a very good, well written, true story and a pretty amazing one at that. I think the book moved at a good pace so not too much time was spent telling one particular part of Rafraf and Don's story. It was told without digging into political and social motivations for the war in Iraq but rather narrated a story of a couple of lives that were involved. I'm grateful for the epilogue because the story would not have properly concluded without it. I think Rafraf could have gone into a little more details as to what she emotionally/mentally went through when arriving in the US an... mored what went through her mind as she was adapting to American culture however, I'm sure she could write a completely separate book on that topic. I would have also liked to hear more on her views of Christianity and how those thoughts transpired before the book concluded. Overall, very excellent book and great story telling!
review 2: This is a wonderful sharing of experiences by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak as they recount the history of their first meeting to their journey together in Iraq and later in the United States. It is an improbably journey for Rafraf was a Muslim who grew up knowing they were her enemy yet forced to work for them to help feed her family and Don Teague was a noted CBS reporter who has regularly appeared on Katie Couric's CBS Evening News.Working together in Iraq, they became friends, but the bond was formed when both narrowly escaped death due to a malfunctioning bomb. Teague was eventually sent home but Rafraf continued to skirt danger until those she had considered her enemies arranged for her to fly to the United States and stay with Teague and his family.An unfamiliar and sometimes terrifying yet exciting time awaited the young woman who had grown up steeped in the culture of an Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein but who possesses both intelligence and a rebellious streak. Her awakening to the very different customs and freedoms of America are poignantly told in this story .Teague writes in first person, Rafraf (named by her father from a word in the Koran meaning Freedom) in third person. Both styles are interestingly told and draw in the reader to learn about two very likable people. Teague is upfront about his faith, something unusual in journalists today and completely refreshing. The examples set by the Teague family begin Rafraf's transformation from wary Muslim to curious guest. Along the journey the reader is treated to numerous-and sometimes humorous-episodes of Rafraf's settling in to the American way of life.Her first "date", met online to the wearing of the scarf dilemma and learning to ride a bicycle are some of Rafraf's struggles, all charmingly told. Other serious issues are related: how she is going to stay in the US and get a master's degree when her visa is set to expire.All along the journey, this interesting Iraqi woman meets challenges and overcomes them: at first the homesickness for family and Iraq-the only stability she has known.The Teagues set out to show by example but never to shove their religion down her throat, but their example and God's plan for Rafraf bears fruit when a vastly more assured and confidant Rafraf takes her biggest step in becoming a Christian.I had seen this book on the Internet and wanted to purchase it for some time. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review it. It's a wonderful story, well told. less

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