The Afghans: Three lives through war, love and revolt - from the bestselling author of The Bookseller of Kabul

The Afghans is a book by Åsne Seierstad that explores the social fabric of Afghan life before and after the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. It introduces us to three unforgettable people whose lives have been shaped by the fall and rise of the Taliban, and encompasses love, loss, revolt and war. The book is praised for its intimate portrait of Afghani people and its masterful investigation of the lead-up to the Taliban's retaking power in 2021.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Åsne Seierstad: The Supreme Non-Fiction Writer of Her Generation

Luke Harding, in his review for the Daily Telegraph, praises The Bookseller of Kabul as an exceptional exploration of the social fabric of Afghan life. He states that no other recent book on the subject comes close to its depth and insight.

The Afghans: Understanding Afghanistan's Past, Present, and Future

In her latest book, The Afghans, award-winning journalist Åsne Seierstad returns to Afghanistan, twenty years after the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. This book aims to help readers understand the complex history, present circumstances, and potential future of the country through the lives of three unforgettable individuals.

Meet the Three Afghans:

Jamila: Jamila is a women's rights activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and freedoms of women in Afghanistan. She has faced numerous challenges and threats due to her activism, but remains unwavering in her commitment to her cause.

Bashir: Bashir is a Taliban commander who has risen through the ranks of the insurgent group. He has a complex and nuanced perspective on the Taliban's rise to power and their policies. Bashir's story explores the human cost of war and the choices that individuals make in times of conflict.

Ariana: Ariana is a law student who had one semester left when the Taliban came to power. She was forced to abandon her studies and hide in fear for her life. Ariana's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Afghan people in the face of adversity.

The Stories of These Three Afghans:

The stories of these three Afghans encompass love, loss, revolt, and war, as well as the everyday rhythms of family life. Through their experiences, readers gain a deep understanding of the lead-up to the Taliban's retaking power in 2021, the first year of Taliban rule, and the current state of affairs in Afghanistan.

Praise for Åsne Seierstad:

Seierstad's work has received widespread praise from critics and readers alike. Her intimate portrait of Afghani people is described as quite unlike any other. The Sunday Times on The Bookseller of Kabul praised her for her ability to create a compelling and immersive narrative that feels like a non-fiction novel. New York Times on One of Us hailed her as a masterclass in investigative journalism, stating that her book is both a masterpiece and a masterclass in investigative journalism. Christina Lamb on Two Sisters praised her meticulous documentation and her ability to bring the characters to life on the page.

Conclusion:

The Afghans is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on Afghanistan's past, present, and future. Through the lives of three unforgettable individuals, Åsne Seierstad provides readers with a deeper understanding of the country's complex history, the challenges it faces, and the resilience of its people. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world's most complex and challenging regions.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 242 x 166 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408717936