Description

* A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week *

‘A real-time, moving and intimate portrait of a year living under the Taliban’ DUA LIPA’S SERVICE95
‘An intimate, courageous chronicle of life’ OBSERVER, BOOK OF THE DAY
‘A hugely important book’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO
‘A deeply moving collective memoir’ LYSE DOUCET

In August 2021, as the Taliban approached the gates of Kabul, twenty-one women writers in Afghanistan messaged their WhatsApp group chat: they asked what news other had heard and if everyone was safe.

These women had been brought together as a writing group and were about to publish their first collection of short stories. Some were students, some newly married, one was a grandmother; all were afraid of what was now to come. Over the next year, in their makeshift online refuge, they shared the day-to-day reality of life after the Taliban retook Afghanistan. This is their collective diary, forming a powerful chorus of resistance and solidarity.

‘Fascinatingly detailed and fiercely brave’ GUARDIAN
‘Its courage is momentous’ ALI SMITH

Publisher Review

An intimate, courageous chronicle of life as it unfolds under Taliban rule * Observer * Poignant * The Economist * A deeply moving collective memoir — Lyse Doucet Its courage is momentous — Ali Smith A hugely important book. I was willingly swept along; I could not put it down — Bernardine Evaristo A real-time, moving and intimate portrait of a year living under the Taliban, communicated via clandestine WhatsApp messages * Dua Lipa’s Service95 * This book pulls you behind the headlines. From the very first message you’re there with these incredible women, feeling their bravery, their horrors and their hope. This is exactly what books are meant to do — Luan Goldie Brave and compelling. These remarkable women take us into a world we should all know about — Sandi Toksvig These writings in translation honour the individuality of Afghan women and their voices * Southasia Review of Books * These are urgent whispers from some of the bravest, most articulate women of our times — Mohammed Hanif Heartbreaking, harrowing and compelling . . . this book is a running document of the lives of Afghan women under siege and beyond. My Dear Kabul is the story of female courage and friendship in the face of the most extreme patriarchal clamp-down on female freedom of every kind — Monique Roffey Urgent and harrowing, full of tension and life — Dina Nayeri A powerful, moving and important book showcasing the voices of Afghan women writers, determined to be heard and share their stories of loss, love, rebellion and brilliance. A wonderful read. — Kate Mosse