Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber: A Journey into the Heart of Afghanistan

About the Book

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber is a memoir by Atiq Rahimi, a renowned Afghan-French writer. It was first published in French in 2008 and was translated into English in 2011. The book is a deeply personal and moving account of Rahimi's childhood and adolescence in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion and subsequent civil war.

Rahimi was born in Kabul in 1962. His father was a diplomat and his mother was a teacher. Rahimi grew up in a privileged family, but his life was upended by the Soviet invasion in 1979. His father was killed, his mother was forced to flee, and Rahimi was left to fend for himself. He eventually made his way to Pakistan, where he lived for several years before moving to France.

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber: Riding Shotgun from Karachi to Kabul in a Pakistani Truck

by Alice Kessler-Harris

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	421 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	70 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber is a powerful and unflinching account of Rahimi's experiences during this tumultuous period. He writes about the horrors of war, the loss of loved ones, and the struggle to survive. But he also writes about the beauty and resilience of the Afghan people. The book is a testament to the power of hope and the indomitable spirit of the human being.

Critical Reception

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber has been widely praised by critics. The New York Times called it "a masterpiece of memoir" and "a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Afghanistan." The Washington Post said that Rahimi "writes with a rare combination of lyricism and honesty" and that the book is "a haunting and unforgettable portrait of a country at war." The Guardian said that Rahimi is "one of the most important voices in contemporary literature" and that Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber is "a powerful and moving book that will stay with you long after you finish it."

Awards

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber has won numerous awards, including the Goncourt Prize, France's most prestigious literary award. The book has also been translated into more than 30 languages.

About the Author

Atiq Rahimi is an Afghan-French writer. He was born in Kabul in 1962. His father was a diplomat and his mother was a teacher. Rahimi grew up in a privileged family, but his life was upended by the Soviet invasion in 1979. His father was killed, his mother was forced to flee, and Rahimi was left to fend for himself. He eventually made his way to Pakistan, where he lived for several years before moving to France.

Rahimi is a prolific writer. He has published novels, short stories, and essays in both French and Persian. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages. Rahimi is also a filmmaker. He has directed several short films and documentaries. His first feature film, The Patience Stone, was released in 2012.

Rahimi is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Goncourt Prize, France's most prestigious literary award. He is a member of the Académie française, the most prestigious literary academy in France.

Bird of Chaman, Flower of the Khyber: Riding Shotgun from Karachi to Kabul in a Pakistani Truck

by Alice Kessler-Harris

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	421 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	70 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE