"Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguez, an American hairdresser who set up a beauty school in Afghanistan, provides a unique view of what life is really like for the female population of this country.

The book depicts Deborah's trials and tribulations of setting up a beauty school in Kabul. It explores the cross-cultural barriers which she faces on a daily basis - in her dealings with her students, local bureaucrats, Afghan males and local businesses. It provides glimpses into the daily lives of Afghan women and the limitations which the society imposes on them. It reveals the beautiful friendships forged as a result of struggling to make her project work. But most importantly it is an ode to the courageous women of Afghanistan who are trying to survive and organise their lives despite all odds, who are generous and loving in their friendship and who are willing to embrace new opportunities that come along in their lives.