A Cave in the Clouds: A Young Woman's Escape from ISIS - Hardcover

Ahmed, Badeeah Hassan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1773212354 ISBN 13: 9781773212357

Publisher: Annick Press, 2019

Synopsis

Badeeah Hassan was just 18 when she witnessed firsthand the horrors of the 2014 genocide of the Ezidi people by ISIS forces. Captured by ISIS, known locally as Daesh, Badeeah was among hundreds forced into a brutal human trafficking network made up of women and girls of Ezidi ethnicity, a much-persecuted minority culture of Iraq. Badeeah’s story takes her to Syria where she is sold to a high-ranking ISIS commander known as Al Amriki, the American, kept as a house slave, raped, and routinely assaulted. Only the presence of her young nephew Eivan and her friend Navine, also prisoners, keeps her from harming herself. In captivity, she draws on memories and stories from her childhood to maintain a small bit of control in an otherwise volatile situation. Ultimately, it is her profound sense of faith and brave resistance that lead her to escape with Eivan and reunite with family.

 

Since her escape, Badeeah has brought her harrowing story of war and survival to the world’s stage, raising awareness about the little-known acts of genocide against her culture and the strength of a people unknown to many around the world. This captivating account of courage extends beyond the confines of her experience; Badeeah’s story is about the resilience of women, girls, and persecuted groups everywhere in the face of seemingly insurmountable oppression.

About this title

About the Author:

Badeeah Hassan Ahmed was 18 when her village was invaded, and she was abducted by ISIS. Throughout her ordeal, Badeeah managed to keep her and her nephew as well as another abducted woman’s spirits alive by telling folk stories and reminding each other of their strong Yazidi spirituality. She managed to escape, and today studies language and nursing in Germany. Her goal for the future is to share with humanity the gentle, peaceful faith of her Ezidi culture, and give back to her people.

Susan Elizabeth McClelland is an award-winning journalist and recipient of the 2005 Amnesty International Media Award. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Review:

“It is not easy to read, but it is the current reality and it is well told.” —Youth Services Book Review, 12/18/18

(Stephanie Tournas Youth Services Book Review)

“A grim but worthy read.” —Kirkus Reviews, 12/19/18

(Kirkus Reviews)

“Stands out for its coverage of the assault upon a small cultural group, the Ezidis.” —CM Reviews, 02/08/19

(Val Ken CM Reviews)

“Deeply personal and immediately real . . . The narrative is authentic . . . poetic and beautiful.”  —School Library Journal, *starred review, 03/19

(Kelly Kingrey-Edwards School Library Journal)

“Badeeah’s story is one ultimately of hope.” —School Library Connection, 05/19

(Laura McConnell School Library Connection)

“A powerful read . . . and a story that needed to be told.” —Book Time, 04/08/19

(Lisa Day Book Time)

“Badeeah’s perspective is unique . . . This story is a necessary part of understanding how ISIS impacts the lives of those it rules.” —Resource Links, 10/19

(Myra Junyk Resource Links)

About this edition

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1773212354
• ISBN 13: 9781773212357
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 248