My Pen Is the Wing of a Bird: New Fiction by Afghan Women

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There are visceral scenes and descriptions that are rich in the sights, sounds and smells of the country… the clay walls that emanate a specific feel, and the rich fragrances of cooking and herbs waft off the page. Entering this world challenges the reader and demands a response beyond "I'm so lucky that's not me. This collection shows that dreams transcend, that daydreaming is both an escape and, when put to paper, a radical political cry showing that no matter how internal, women's lives matter. It is accepted by you that Daunt Books has no control over additional charges in relation to customs clearance. Companion’ a story about an older woman whose children live abroad struck me because it reminded me of my own mother.

These stories come at a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's history, when international media interest in the country needs to be met by creative voices living in, speaking about, and writing from Afghanistan.One contributor submitted her story by taking photos of handwritten pages and sending them via WhatsApp. Negeen Kargar), A father who opposed his daughter’s education in favor of her getting married relents after his daughter adamantly decides to go back to school after it is bombed and many of her friends have perished. Zubair Popalzai), a woman who manages to escape her war-torn homeland and move to America, attributes her sleeplessness to her favorite pillow she has left behind and vows to carry it back with her on her next visit. My Pen Is the Wing of a Bird comes at a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's history, when these voices must be heard.

There are various translators to credit for bringing these authors’ tales to a whole new readership, making the voice of Afghan women accessible. Their stories reveal, in all their meagre variety, a resilience that blooms behing the tattered curtains.Thank god, I said to myself, that the sun is not someone's property, otherwise I'd have to pay rent for that as well. This is the kind of book that makes you pause and reflect and appreciate the freedoms and privileges we enjoy and, more often than not take for granted. My Pen Is the Wing of a Bird gives Afghan women the opportunity to take control of their own narrative and to use their voices to advocate for themselves and their country.