Barefoot in Baghdad A Story of Identity My Own and What It Means to Be a Woman in Chaos

“Walk without shoes, and the thorns will hurt you…” This Iraqi-Turkmen proverb sets the tone for the powerful and emotional journey that is Barefoot in Baghdad. Manal Omar, an American aid worker of Arab descent, goes to Iraq to help women rebuild their lives in the aftermath of war and sanctions. In this gripping memoir, Omar shares the stories of the people she meets and befriends, and the challenges they face in a country torn apart by chaos and conflict. Through her relationships with Iraqis, Omar reveals the resilience and strength of women who are determined to rebuild their lives despite the devastation around them. With heart-wrenching honesty, she recounts the love and loss she experiences during her time in Iraq. Barefoot in Baghdad is a poignant and compelling story of hope and despair, love and longing, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.