Student Question
Why does Malala begin her book with the account of her shooting?
Quick answer:
Malala begins her book with the account of her shooting to create a dramatic opening that captures readers' attention, making them eager to learn why she was targeted and what followed. This event is pivotal in her life, marking a significant turning point. Additionally, starting with this incident immediately sets the context for the narrative, highlighting the interplay between her personal story and the broader socio-political landscape of Pakistan.
In the prologue to this memoir, Malala begins with an account of the day she "left (her) home for school" and was "shot by a Taliban bullet." She perhaps starts the book with an account of this day for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it's a very dramatic opening to a story, in large part because of Malala's age. She was fifteen-years-old at the time. The dramatic impact of this opening will no doubt make people want to continue reading to find out why she was shot and what happened to her afterwards.
Secondly, this is the moment which, probably more than any other, has defined Malala's life. After she was shot, her whole life changed. By placing this moment at the beginning of her book, Malala is explicitly signaling its importance.
Thirdly, beginning with an account of the day she was shot in Pakistan immediately establishes the context for the rest of the story. This is a story as much about Malala as it is about the country of Pakistan. Malala can not be fully understood, in terms of who she is or what she has experienced, without understanding the country in which she was raised.
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