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Title:	Afghans, The
Authors:	Seierstad, Asne
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	428
Year:	2024
Publisher:	Virago
Language:	English
Description:	Journalist Asne Seierstad documents the lives of three Afghans whose pasts, present and future have been moulded by the Taliban. Through Jamila, a women right's activist, Bashir, a Taliban commander, and Ariana, a law student, and their families, Afghanistan's experience of the Taliban retaking power in 2021 and the first year of their rule plays out through their everyday lives. Subtitled 'three lives through war, love and revolt, this is a compulsively readable story, a vivid and comprehensive portrayal of Afghanistan in the here and now.'
Categories:	Non-fiction, Big Reads, War theme, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Gender Issues, Grief/loss, Historical, Human Rights, Journalistic reporting/media, Learning, Morals/Ethics, Political, Religion, Social commentary/perspectives, Afghanistan, Just Added, 2026 Titles

Reviews

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By: TAUR 023		2025-10-08 10:43:39

A very informative but dificult read.

By: ROTO 018		2025-10-02 11:40:57

Out of a group of 8 people - only 3 finished the book. Those who read it thought it was an unforgettable book, although it took a while to get into. We felt that the author tried to be neutral, so it was a powerful story. Those who read it all rated it highly.

By: DUNED 061		2025-08-11 10:16:09

We all loved this book - learnt so much and had a great discussion. So impressed with the author's detail.

By: ROTO 010		2025-07-25 16:28:27

We felt the book gave great insight and detail of life in a country embroiled in conflict & war & circumstances unimaginable for us here in NZ. The book didn't feel like fiction - as she (the author) backed everything up with factual accounts & incredible research. Family was first and centre for all of the characters. This showed through in the women's strength and their determination albeit against the Taliban rule. Even Bashir who despite his life of jihad kept sight of protective responsibility for his wives, children, mother, brothers blood and in arms.

By: CHCH 518		2025-06-05 14:47:18

Not all the members got through the very well-written book but we found it an interesting read about a difficult subject. We would like to hear more about Jamila and her struggles to become a woman's rights activist.

By: AUCK 335		2025-05-28 11:51:43

Several found this book hard to get into and all found some of the content disturbing, dealing as it does with the situation of women in Afghanistan. The stories based on interviews with real people, including a member of the Taliban, gave life to the account of historical and political changes and encouraged us to reflect on changes for women in N.Z. generally and for us individually.Well worth the effort to read a long and rather demanding book.

By: WELL 041		2025-05-07 10:39:05

Two people didn't get far with this book because they found the cruelty too distressing. The others loved and admired it. It was very well-written and most interesting, and taught us such a lot about the Taliban.