The Girl Who Escaped ISIS

This Is My Story

By: Farida Khalaf, Andrea C. Hoffmann

Narrated by: Lara Sawalha

Named a “Best Book of the Year” by New York Post

“Farida Khalaf’s story is harrowing but crucial—especially when it comes to understanding what ISIS actually is and does.” —Glamour

“As gripping as it is appalling…a compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control—and to the particularly terrible price it exacts from women.” —The Guardian

A young Yazidi woman was living a normal, sheltered life in northern Iraq during the summer of 2014 when her entire world was upended: her village was attacked by ISIS. All of the men in her town were killed and the women were taken into slavery.

This is Farida Khalaf’s story.

In unprecedented detail, Farida describes her world as it was—at nineteen, she was living at home with her brothers and parents, finishing her schooling and looking forward to becoming a math teacher—and the hell it became. Held in a slave market in Syria and sold into the homes of several ISIS soldiers, she stubbornly attempts resistance at every turn. Farida is ultimately brought to an ISIS training camp in the middle of the desert, where she plots an against-all-odds escape for herself and five other girls.

A riveting firsthand account of life in captivity and a courageous flight to freedom, this astonishing memoir is also Farida’s way of bearing witness, and of ensuring that ISIS does not succeed in crushing her spirit. Her bravery, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable violence will fascinate and inspire.

Wow

I couldn’t stop listening, the bravery of these women is incredible. I can’t imagine the fear and the heart it would take to overcome what they have, I appreciate Farida’s bravery, too, in sharing her story with the world and shedding light on the cruelty of men. I wish all of these women and their families peace.

WOW

Shattering, eye-opening story of a young woman facing down the greatest evil of our age with grace, dignity and incredible courage.
Could NOT put this book down. Outstanding.

Farida is a heroine

Listen and read of this amazing heroines journey, life and determination. The world is a better place with people like Farida.

Excellent and Heartbreaking

What a Champion! So inspiring. I only hope she is with her Family and Happy and Healthy. They are Victims and Survivors!!!

Words Cannot Describe How Amazing This Book Is

I honestly cannot write any review of this book that could possibly do it justice, but I will try. It was heartbreakingly inspiring. An emotional rollercoaster of fear, loss, faith, force of will and unquestionable inner strength to which no heroic tales can compare. It was written so matter of fact and so vividly that I felt I was living this incredible woman’s life and could relate to her despite never having personally encountered anything even remotely close to it. Truly an amazing read.