5 Amazing Afghan Authors You Need To Read
Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of lies to arrive at a greater truth — Khaled Hosseini
Afghanistan has produced a plethora of talented writers whose literary works have placed Afghan literature on the global literary scene.
From powerful narratives rooted in the country’s tumultuous past to insightful tales of resilience and hope, Afghan authors have beautifully depicted the multifaceted aspects of Afghan society.
Here are some of the best Afghan authors and their must-read books.
1. Hosseini — “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
Khaled Hosseini is undoubtedly one of Afghanistan’s most celebrated authors and any list of Afghan literature is incomplete without him.
His debut novel, “The Kite Runner,” takes readers on an emotional journey through the lives of two friends, Amir and Hassan, against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s political upheavals. Hosseini’s vivid storytelling captures the essence of friendship, guilt, redemption, and the complexities of life.
Another remarkable work by Hosseini is “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” which delves into the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, during the Taliban regime. Both novels offer powerful insights into Afghan society while tugging at the heartstrings of readers worldwide.
“”I think that my job as a storyteller is to show that the inner lives of other people, no matter how different their circumstances, are as rich and complicated as my own.” — Khaled Hosseini
2. Atiq Rahimi — “Earth and Ashes” and “The Patience Stone”
Atiq Rahimi, an Afghan-French writer, skillfully weaves poetic narratives that delve into the human condition.
His novella “Earth and Ashes” portrays the devastating effects of war through the story of an old man and his grandson trying to find solace amid the ruins.
Rahimi’s “The Patience Stone” explores the struggles of an Afghan woman who confides in her comatose husband, revealing her deepest desires and darkest secrets. Rahimi’s powerful prose invites readers to reflect on the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Fiction allows us to explore the depths of human emotions and the intricacies of relationships. It is a mirror that reflects our shared humanity.” — Atiq Rahimi
3. Nadia Hashimi — “The Pearl That Broke Its Shell” and “A House Without Windows”
Nadia Hashimi, an Afghan-American author, skillfully portrays the lives of Afghan women in her works. “The Pearl That Broke Its Shell” intertwines the stories of Rahima and Shekiba, women from different generations, exploring themes of tradition, identity, and female empowerment.
In “A House Without Windows,” Hashimi delves into the life of Zeba, a woman accused of murdering her husband, shedding light on justice, social norms, and the resilience of Afghan women. Hashimi’s powerful storytelling sheds light on the triumphs and struggles of Afghan women in a patriarchal society.
“The human spirit, you know what they say about the human spirit? It is harder than a rock and more delicate than a flower petal.” ―The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
4. Jamil Jan Kochai — “99 Nights in Logar”
Jamil Jan Kochai burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, “99 Nights in Logar.” Jamil Jan Kochai was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1992, but his family hails from Logar, Afghanistan.
Set in Logar province, Afghanistan, this coming-of-age story follows twelve-year-old Marwand as he embarks on a quest to find his beloved dog, Budabash.
Kochai’s captivating storytelling blends humour and folklore with the harsh realities of war, offering a unique perspective on the Afghan experience. “99 Nights in Logar” is a remarkable tale that showcases the strength and resilience of the Afghan people amidst the chaos.
5. Fowzia Karimi — “Above Us The Milkey Way”
Fowzia Karimi is an Afghan-American writer and visual artist. Karimi was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. She immigrated to the US in 1980, after the Soviet invasion of the country.
Her work explores themes of identity, belonging, and the Afghan diaspora experience.
While Fowzia Karimi is primarily known for her visual art, she has also authored a powerful and thought-provoking book titled “Above Us the Milky Way: An Illuminated Alphabet.”
“Above Us the Milky Way” is a unique and visually striking book that combines prose, poetry, and stunning artwork to tell the story of an Afghan family’s journey from Afghanistan to the United States.
Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Fowzia Karimi explores the complexities of cultural identity, displacement, and the intergenerational impact of war.
The book beautifully captures the longing for home, the challenges of assimilation, and the resilience of the Afghan people.
Fowzia Karimi’s “Above Us the Milky Way” is a testament to her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling, blending visual art and literature to create a powerful narrative that sheds light on the Afghan diaspora experience.
