The Daughters of Kobani

A Story of Rebellion, Courage, and Justice

By: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Narrated by: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

The extraordinary story of the women who took on the Islamic State and won.

"The Daughters of Kobani is an unforgettable and nearly mythic tale of women's power and courage. The young women profiled in this book fought a fearsome war against brutal men in impossible circumstances - and proved in the process what girls and women can accomplish when given the chance to lead. Brilliantly researched and respectfully reported, this book is a lesson in heroism, sacrifice, and the real meaning of sisterhood. I am so grateful that this story has been told." (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic and Eat, Pray, Love)

"Absolutely fascinating and brilliantly written, The Daughters of Kobani is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand both the nobility and the brutality of war. This is one of the most compelling stories in modern warfare." (Admiral William H. McRaven, author of Make Your Bed)

In 2014, Northeastern Syria might have been the last place you would expect to find a revolution centered on women's rights. But that year, an all-female militia faced off against ISIS in a little town few had ever heard of: Kobani. By then, the Islamic State had swept across vast swaths of the country, taking town after town and spreading terror as the civil war burned all around it. From that unlikely showdown in Kobani emerged a fighting force that would wage war against ISIS across Northern Syria alongside the United States. In the process, these women would spread their own political vision, determined to make women's equality a reality by fighting - house by house, street by street, city by city - the men who bought and sold women.

Based on years of on-the-ground reporting, The Daughters of Kobani is the unforgettable story of the women of the Kurdish militia that improbably became part of the world's best hope for stopping ISIS in Syria. Drawing from hundreds of hours of interviews, best-selling author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon introduces us to the women fighting on the front lines, determined to not only extinguish the terror of ISIS but also prove that women could lead in war and must enjoy equal rights come the peace.

In helping to cement the territorial defeat of ISIS, whose savagery toward women astounded the world, these women played a central role in neutralizing the threat the group posed worldwide. In the process they earned the respect - and significant military support - of US Special Operations Forces.

Rigorously reported and powerfully told, The Daughters of Kobani shines a light on a group of women intent on not only defeating the Islamic State on the battlefield but also changing women's lives in their corner of the Middle East and beyond.

This audiobook includes a PDF containing a map, acknowledgments, and a guide to the story's characters.

©2021 Gayle Tzemach Lemmon (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Impressively reported. . . . It’s a story not only about the warriors who battled ISIS against all odds, but also a reminder of the ways in which the world is still divided by gender - and how that’s changing in Syria, the Middle East, and the world at large.” (Town and Country)

“Handling difficult topics with adroit respect and care, Lemmon offers a story that’s eminently relatable and speaks to the ongoing fight for women’s rights the world over. This is a story that needed to be told and needs to be heard. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in current events and women’s history.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“Lemmon’s books...have extolled heroic women fighting sexism in the Islamic world. Now she’s back with The Daughters of Kobani, a remarkable true story about an all-female Kurdish militia who helped drive ISIS from northern Syria.” (CNN.com)

"An inspiring look at the all-female militia that helped fight ISIS - and shine a light on women’s capabilities and rights - in Syria.” (People)

Connections between different tribes

Shows how women fought in the war and helped reshape thinking and their future.

Happy accident I truly enjoyed. Recommended.

I accidentally bought this via Amazon when trying to just add it to my list to consider… I decided to keep it and listen. I’m glad I did. It starts off slow, but builds to tell a complex backstory of the Kurds, ISIS, and the women who helped topple a global threat. I found it difficult to stop listening. I had never heard this story an I’m glad I know it now.

Fascinating Story

This is a wonderful story of political change in a part of the Middle East that is not well understood. I hope it is read and appreciated by lots of people. Usually I like books that are read by the author but this author could use a little voice coaching.

Powerful Story

I am filled with wonder, awe and admiration after reading this book. It's an incredible journey.

Good story

I love the real life story of these women. She makes the story personal by telling it from the perspective of one of the fighters. But it's just good.
There isn't enough of a hero narrative to make you love the main character, and not enough of the politics or history to make you pick a side. Politically correct and factual, but not compelling enough to fully immerse myself in the story.

Real and Real-Life

The book reads with the tension of an action movie where women are the heroines. Except this is real and real-life. The part of the book where the female fighters of the YPJ were being hugged by the mothers, grandmothers, and daughters they helped save from Daesh was especially moving.

Revealing

This book opened my eyes to historical events that up to this point I only knew through limited media coverage. The story and courage of these women is inspiring!

Excelent work

this book is very well written, which kept me awake throughout the night. I admire the heroism of these ladies. thanks Gayle for this work.

a need listen not read

you need to listen to her read her own book to get full impact of what she has written
Very powerful book

One of the BEST books I have ever read!

This story is a MUST read! The power of women a world away and yet they have the same desire as women everywhere for dignity, safety, independence, everything it takes to live their lives to the fullest with the recognition that their contributions to themselves, their families, their country and community matters!!