Veiled Freedom

Naive and idealistic, relief worker Amy Mallory arrives in Kabul ready to change the world. She soon discovers that as a woman in Afghanistan, the challenges she faces are monumental. As the new security chief to the Minister of the Interior, former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson is disillusioned to find that the country he fought to set free has fallen into its old habits of greed and corruption. Afghani native Jamil returns to his homeland seeking a job while his painful past continues to haunt him. All three search for truth...and freedom...but at what cost?

Naïve and idealistic, relief worker Amy Mallory arrives in Kabul ready to change the world. She soon discovers that as a woman in Afghanistan, the challenges she faces are monumental. As the new security chief to the Minister of the Interior, former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson is disillusioned to find that the country he fought to set free has fallen into its old habits of greed and corruption. Afghani native Jamil returns to his homeland seeking a job while his painful past continues to haunt him. All three search for truth . . . and for freedom . . . but at what cost?

Windle—author of the political/suspense thriller CrossFire—taps into current events with her newest novel, set in Afghanistan. Relief worker Amy Mallory had dreamed of working in Kabul for years, yet her first impressions of the dusty, tradition-bound city aren't great. Steve Wilson, leader of the personal security detail for Afghanistan's minister of the interior, carries memories of his last time in the war-torn country. And Jamil, the Afghan whom Amy hires as her interpreter, is haunted by his past. The trio's lives entwine as they struggle to live and work in Kabul, Amy through New Hope—offering protection to women released from prison—and Steve through protecting Khalid Sayef, a leader who promises reform. Windle's writing sings when she compares the teachings of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ) with those of Muhammad, but occasionally clunks with overuse of acronyms and convoluted sentences. Yet readers will be enthralled with this penetrating look at Afghanistan and its many mysteries revealed through the lives of flawed men and women. Windle is a top-notch storyteller. (June) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

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Reviewed by Tara (LA), October 06, 2009

I had difficulty getting into this book, and I'm really not sure why, because the opening chapter is captivating. From the beginning you see how deeply connected the lives of the three main characters are as the groundwork is laid for a riveting, twisting plot. Windle is an excellent writer, with extremely vivid descriptions. She sets up the perfect foil between optimistic, hopeful Amy and battle-scarred, skeptic Steve. The book is intensely political, and even though it is fiction, it proposes insight into the real workings in Afghanistan and offers suggestive answers to the question of why, after 8 years, the American forces are still needed in the country. At the heart of the book, the gaping contrast between Western freedom and Islamic fundamentalism is painted as clearly as the contrast between the personalities of Amy & Steve. But rather than set up glorification of Christianity and a bashing of Islam, Windle points out the good and the bad of both societies and how each could learn from each other. I thought this was an excellent exposition. I think so often we focus on what we dislike about the religion instead of focusing on the people who might be hurting under it. Several times I found myself grieving as I got to know more and more of the characters. It's definitely not a lighthearted read. I was in tears at the end, and I would call the ending bittersweet instead of happy. The only criticism I have of the book is that it's heavy on technical information, which really isn't my cup of tea. I am not military nor special ops, nor am I extremely close to anyone who is. A lot of the technical terms were overwhelming and confusing. A glossary or reader's guide at the end would have been nice. I think the amount of technical details was what overwhelmed me in the beginning. Then again, I am a woman, and I prefer my emotions to be engaged first when I read something. Overall 4.5 stars. Excellent book!

Reviewed by Ruth (Taylors SC), September 12, 2009

Martha in Kalispell, if you really want to read more of J. Windle's books, do not forget to include Jana's journal (diary) I am not a teen etc. but that "diary" was a great read. Of course so are the three So.- American-set books, which I consider fingernail-biting-edge-of-the-seat-stuff. And best read them when you have more than a couple of hours. You'll want to finish; and they are not conducive to falling asleep!(: )

Reviewed by Lori Kasbeer (DeLand, Florida), July 14, 2009

In 2001 Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson was in the group that helped Afghanistan gain freedom from the Taliban and helped Afghanistan celebrate its first election. Eight years later when he returns as a security chief to the Minister of Interior, he is appalled at the greed and corruption he found in the country he fought so hard for. Amy Mallory is a Christian relief worker who was recently hired to head to Afghanistan and begin helping women and children. Even with years of experience this is her first time beginning a charity from scratch. The doors open for her to provide a place for women and children after they are released from prison. What she did not plan on was falling in love with the Afghan people. Steve and Amy’s world’s collide after a suicide bombing. Steve opens Amy’s eyes to the possible danger and traps she could find herself in and Amy softens Steven heart toward idealistic charity people like Amy. Though they are very different their love for Christ forms a friendship between the two of them. You don’t just read Windle’s books, you live them. Windle will not tickle your American ears, she will tell you like it is. I have to admit when I first read the prologue I wanted to toss the book across the room out of anger, fearing this was a book against our own American military. Instead Windle grabs your heart and gives you the truth; there are problems on both sides of the isle but she tells the story fairly. I encourage all women to read this book, if nothing else it will give you specifics on what to pray for concerning the Afghanistan women. Jeanette Windle has become a favorite author. I enjoy the depth and truth in her stories; you walk away with your heart changed.

Reviewed by Patti (Centralia, WA), July 11, 2009

I loved this book! But I didn't get much sleep until I had finished reading it! Full of suspense, it gives you an education on Afghanistan and it's people and how the war has affected their daily lives. Jeanette manages to weave such a detailed picture that you feel like you are actually there.

Reviewed by Martha (Kalispell, MT), July 02, 2009

I have to say right off that J.M. Windle has quickly, in the few books I have read of hers, become one of my favorite authors. She is now on that list where I will seek out and read everything she writes!! I loved and devoured this book! When I finished it, I felt like I had been to Afghanistan. The same with her other books I have read, they were so realistic and involved you in the story so much there was no setting this book down. I loved it! If you like adventure, but you want it to be realistic, pick up her books! Jeanette Windle is an excellent writer that will really get to you! I loved the little thing on the back of the book talking about the author. It says "Her detailed research and writing is realistic that it has prompted government agencies to question her to determine if she had received classified information..." It is so true too! Please read the first chapter and you will find yourself wanting more! This is one that I will remember! I will for sure be reading every one of this authors books!

Reviewed by jubilee (Ohio), June 30, 2009

This kind of novel is not my usual reading fare, but I wanted to branch out a bit, so decided that Veiled Freedom looked like a good choice. I was not wrong. Nor was I disappointed. The novel is told from three distinct points of view, flowing nicely and not at all confusing. This gives the reader the chance to discover just who the main characters are and what motivates them. Though the identity of the third person is not revealed until well into the book, the reader does glean a good sense of who he might be. I have to admit to only a passing familiarity of Muslims and the Islamic faith, so this novel provided a bit of an education for me. And though I understand the author to be Christian, I didn't feel as though the Muslim faith was slighted, but rather explained. Perhaps revealed is an even better word. And I came away from this experience with more compassion toward the people of Islam than I had before reading Veiled Freedom. The book stands completely and confidently on it's own, but I can't help wishing that Veiled Freedom is the start of a series.

Reviewed by Rachelle (Hungary), June 30, 2009

This book gave me a lot to think about. It asked a lot of questions that I ask about my life and ministry (though the situations are vastly different). One of the tenants of the book that has stuck out to me is the truth that freedom must be chosen. This is one truth that can be hard to live with, especially when you see people choosing the deceit of the enemy that leads only to death. True freedom is found in choosing to bow the knee before the cross of Jesus Christ. True change can occur in people’s lives when you live out love the way that Christ loved. It was an interesting and thoughtful story. I recommend reading Veiled Freedom for the honest look at what is happening in Afghanistan today.

Reviewed by Sarah Katie (dallas, TX), June 30, 2009

One of the best books i've read so far this summer! I was very impressed with the detail, the author has done a great amount of research. I never once felt like one of the three storylines was being overlooked. The author paid close attention to telling the whole story too. Jeanette is a very gifted writer and i'm excited to read her other books!

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Author: Jeanette Windle
Submitted: April 21, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  As the child of missionary parents, I was raised in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. My husband Marty and I served as missionaries for 16 years in Bolivia before moving to Miami, then Lancaster, PA, where my husband heads a Christian ministry involved in more than 50 countries on five continents. I have currently lived in six countries and traveled in about thirty, including Afghanistan. When not writing books, I head up a communications department and magazine for our ministry and mentor Christian writers in a number of countries around the world. I have fourteen books in print, including political/suspense best-seller CrossFire and Tyndale House Publishers release Betrayed.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  Despite the ugliness of war, I rejoiced in the post-9/11 overthrow of Afghanistan's Taliban, believing it presaged new hope for freedom and peace in that region. Neither freedom nor peace ever materialized. Instead today's headlines reflect the rising violence, corruption, lawlessness and despair. The signing of Afghanistan's new constitution, establishing an Islamic republic under sharia law--and paid for with U.S. dollars and the blood of American soldiers--tolled a death knell for any hope of real democracy. And yet the many players I've met in this drama have involved themselves for the most part with the best of intentions. The more I came to know the region and love its people, I was left asking, "Can outsiders ever truly purchase freedom for another culture or people?" That question birthed VEILED FREEDOM. A suicide bombing brings together a disillusioned Special Forces veteran, an idealistic relief worker, and an Afghan refugee on Kabul's dusty streets. The ensuing explosion will not only test the hypocrisy of Western leadership and Afghanistan’s new democracy, but start all three on their own personal quest. What is the true source of freedom--and its cost?"

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I would like readers to close this book with a better understanding of Afghanistan and the Muslim worlds and how vital and interconnected events there, especially such issues as freedom of worship, speech, human rights, are to our own country's future and security. Even more so, I want every reader to come face to face with the Person of Isa Masih, Jesus Christ, the only true Hope of lasting change and freedom for any people.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  While in Afghanistan myself and writing the book, I was impacted by two things especially: 1) The absolute despair of men and women in the grip of Islamic totalitarianism; 2) The true source of freedom for any society or people, which cannot come through a gun or an aid package, but only through individual hearts changed by coming face to face with the life-transforming love of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ).

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free"--Isa Masih (Jesus Christ)

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