Book Review: A Brave Face: Two Cultures, Two Families, and the Iraqi Girl Who Bound Them Together by Barbara Marlowe & Teeba Furat Marlowe

This is an inspirational story about the efforts of one woman to help an Iraqi girl, badly burned as a consequence of a roadside bomb. Barbara Marlow saw a picture of a then four year old girl that was burned during an explosion and this image moved her so much that she was determined to provide any assistance needed to this girl, including bringing her to the US for medical treatment. What is described in this book is an example of determination by one individual that can move mountains. Even though Ms. Marlowe was already in her 50s and had an established career, the fate of this young girl become the focus of her life and she spared no expense in terms of money and, most importantly, time to get the girl Teeba the resources it needed to recover from the damage of the bombing. This not only included bringing her to the US, but in the end also adopting the girl and providing her with the opportunity to live in the United States. Over several years of hospital stays and many surgeries, what Ms Marlowe describes is the strength that both Ms Marlowe and Teeba drew from each other and the bond that formed helped them get through all the obstacles to the present, in which both have fulfilling lives.
Despite the differences of origin and many obstacles faced by each, Ms Marlowe and Teeba provide the reader with the inspiration that hope and determination can overcome many obstacles.

available on amazon.com

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for purposes of the review. The opinion expressed in this post is solely my own and has not been influenced by any third party.