Where the Opium Grows

by Hajra Panezai

This is a stunning memoir of one woman's escape from a deprived region of Pakistan, Quetta, known for opium trade and influx of refugees post-Soviet war, to becoming a successful actress, capturing the attention of the country's most eminent figure, Imran Khan. Hajra Panezai's brave account of surviving abuse as a child, to her trials finding love and a compassionate purpose in life provides a rare insight into what being a modern, sensuous, thinking woman in 21st century Pakistan means today. 'Where the Opium Grows' is a brutally honest, page-turning read from a rebellious woman, seeking justice for all women, minorities, animals, gays and all those denied rights in Pakistan - an unassuming woman who refused to be silenced.