Back in 1998, I researched a lot about Afghanistan for my masters' thesis. I couldn't but fall in love with the culture. Unfortunately, as I was preparing my trip and afghan itineraries, the Taliban marched in and swiftly took over the country. You can imagine my disappointment to be forbidden from exploring a country that fascinated me not only by its landscapes but also through its people... Fast forward more than a decade later. The second edition of Jason Elliot's book aroused my traveling imagination and I longed more than ever to discover more about Afghanistan.
Jason Elliot is a British travel writer and novelist. At age 19, he spent his summer vacation in Afghanistan. The country was occupied by the Soviets at the time. Jason will come back to Afghanistan on several accounts. He somehow joins the Mujahideen and can describe their world, mostly in the mountains, poignantly. When in Kabul, he is around ex-pats and sometimes aid workers. He is not a [war] correspondent, and he hasn't joined the ranks of the humanitarians. He deeply cares about the suffering and the misery he encounters and his stories recount his insights on what he experienced in the Afghan turbulent times and how he barely made it out alive.
This book won the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award in 2000 and might be perceived as long at times. It is in no way boring though and the lengthy descriptions of the magnificent mountains and the beautiful valleys also depict the connection of the Afghan people to their land, their pride as well as their simple sense of hospitality, and their kindness. The respect that Jason has for the Afghan people is visible throughout his narration. If you are an avid traveler like me, this book will spellbind you to the arduous adventures, the touching occurrences, and the historical recounts. A definitely recommended read!
