‘Page-turning account of the lives of Afghan women … at the heart of this moving memoir is an aching sadness’ Observer

‘How does a girl grow to be a woman in a society that shuts off every opportunity? How does a mother choose between her child and the future, not just her future but that of the women of Afghanistan? Homeira Qaderi answers these impossible questions in her stunning memoir, Dancing in the Mosque – one of the most moving love letters to life itself that you will ever read.’ Meg Waite Clayton, author of The Last Train to London

‘Powerful … an unvarnished, memorable portrayal of a mother’s grief and love’ Kirkus

‘A remarkable story of great strength, perseverance, and personal sacrifice by a woman selflessly working to advance the rights of women in her homeland of Afghanistan, women and girls who yearn to be free … I wept when I read the words, " in this land, it is better to be a stone than a girl." Thank you, Homeira, for telling a story that everyone needs to read.’ Deborah Rodriguez, author of The Kabul Beauty School and The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

Homeira QADERI is the author of six books, including the novel Noqrah, a Girl from Kabul River, published in Iran in 2009 to widespread critical acclaim. An activist for women’s rights who served as a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Qaderi is currently Senior Advisor to the Minister of Education. She teaches at several universities in Kabul. She participated in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, courtesy of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.