A powerful and engaging account of the war in Afghanistan over the 20 years of American occupation. Although a difficult, confronting read, I found this book to be extremely informative.

Not knowing a lot about the goings on in Afghanistan from the point of view of its people, I enjoyed learning more about it. The way of life is so foreign to that of my own. I experienced so many different emotions and had to take several breaks in listening due to the brutality, especially in the treatment of Afghan women. I feel it is important not to hide these stories away, far better that we gain an understanding of what happens in different cultures.

I struggled at times with the sheer volume of information. All the names and dates of different events was overwhelming to me, especially given the format of the story told through so many different characters and jumping back and forwards in time. I believe it may have been easier to digest had it been written in a more linear format, perhaps with fewer characters. Had I been reading rather than listening, I would have been tempted to read the stories of each individual character in full before moving on to the next character.
I listened to the audio while on a road trip and found it very frustrating when the narrator spoke more softly at times. I particularly noticed this when something serious, sad or tragic was occurring in the story and continually had to rewind and adjust the volume, difficult to do safely when driving.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, though perhaps enjoy is not quite the right word to use. The content can be quite brutal and challenging to listen to, but it was good to learn more about the topic.
While some may not agree with the author’s views of what occurred in Afghanistan I feel it is important to listen to others points of view rather than just the information we are given through our media outlets.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about this topic, with thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me access to the audiobook for review.

This book was a struggle for me, as I have almost no prior knowledge about the modern history of Afghanistan. Because of this, I felt I didn't truly understand what to look for in these stories and I felt confused. I don't have negative thoughts on this book, I just don't think I was in a place to be able to read it and truly understand it.

This book was very well written and structured.
The author's approach to highlighting the atrocities that took (and are still taking) place in Afghanistan through the eyes of everyday people in the form of stories and first hand accounts was very powerful.
The book portrayed the injustices the Afghan population has suffered on the hands of the Soviet, the US and the Taliban. Showing the perspectives and daily lives of both those for and against the american invasion and those for and against the taliban.
Reading the chapters dedicated to the character who was part of the taliban was jarring but much needed, showing how easily a person can be indoctrinated and radicalised.
The experience of reading this book is meant to be uncomfortable. It's meant to bring forward rage, empathy and understanding.
A big part of the book focused on feminist issues and the struggles women faced living in Afghanistan with the continuous leadership transfers and changing laws regarding womens' liberty. I would love to read more in-depth accounts about the women in this book as their stories were very interesting and inspiring.

I believe the author has tried to be as unbiased as possible and would recommend this book to those wanting to learn more about the history of Afghanistan through the lens of the Afghan population as opposed to academic or historical reports.

The narrator did a great job bringing the book to life!

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with the audio-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

History publications in our current era seem to be aimed not so much at explaining a series of events as a manner of record but highlighting the times, people, and places, left in the shadows. So it might seem odd that such a substantive work is being presented when Afghanistan and the Middle East is still an active public conversation. For many it is difficult to remember a time when this most modern wave of evolution wasn't a primary topic of concern. I believe that is in fact the very point.

At this time, at least those of us in the 'west' all have very set feelings about the past few decades and what has unfolded in a country many people might even have trouble locating despite the continual presence. If not from their own or familial experiences than from the news reports, the books on military operations, diplomats, and activists. Sadly, it is usually tied to severe anti-Muslim or anti-western sentiments that override all else. Depending on our priorities, it would be so easy to fall into a game of villains, heroes, and victims.

In Rasmussen's collection of experiences from those existing within this area of near constant conflict, he is able to show just how murky those lines are. Very few people can fall solidly into one camp. If any one power is the true evil it is institutions. Each personal tale does more than humanize and bring recognition to the resiliency of Afghans. It's through the eyes of the people, not a bullet list of faux pas where just how muddled and murky the history of this nation is.

That does not mean there are not atrocities. There is greed. There is corruption. This isn't a tirade against the failures and bungling of the west or the oppressively predatory conservatism of the east. To be frank, there are monsters on both sides. What this book doesn't do is place the blame, point a finger, or hold up a single event or chain of them that can be used to blame for all that has transpired. Even when dealing with members of the Taliban- the great phantom enemy- there is such a level of respect and dedication to elaborate on a person's mindset and the conditions that have led them to make the choices they have.

It might not change the morality of a person or institutions actions and beliefs. There were many people and events that still made, and make, me seethe on all sides. Yet the narrative format makes this a story not only more accessible but one that offers enough to empathize with most of the individuals. Horrible acts might be committed. But at least for those we get to spend time with, the path they took is clear.

While a topic like this is always going to be heartbreaking, knowing where things currently sit in 2024 wiping out all hope when one character stars to feel optimism, this can also be empowering. Even little acts of resistance can be the spark someone needs. What I sincerely hope is that if nothing else, the later chapters post-full-pull-out of the US will stick with the world. the fallout hat has turned into a raging case of gender apartheid is something I'm very invested in. It's not unheard of, but it has reached a point where it's almost feels like it is written off and expected. I hope these direct incidents of educators and highlighting that not even all of those involved in the current power agree with the increased restrictions of women and girls can be a uniting cause against regimes that care more for power than the stewardship of the people around them.

Absolutely excellent. Not easily forgotten. Incredibly appreciated.