Description
Book SynopsisThe remarkable and touching story of a singular friendship between the author (an affluent Western correspondent) and his Pashtun interpreter who meet in an Afghan war-zone and resume their friendship when Mir becomes an asylum seeker in London’s East End.
Trade Review‘Excellent, gripping and thought-provoking…I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ John Simpson
‘I read “Kandahar Cockney” in a single sitting. Not only is it suspenseful, but the descent into the strange and terrifying world of the asylum-seeker is both revealing and told with humour. This book is a bridge between two very different but sometimes oddly similar cultures. It reinforces my conviction that the British and the Afghans share many traits and values: a great sense of humour, abundant self-control, cheerful resilience in the face of enormous odds and a courage that is often heroic.’ Nick Danziger
‘Part travel, part memoir, part biography, “Kandahar Cockney” is more than a remarkable and vivid portrait of an Afghan refugee in Britain: it captures the essence of modern exile itself, with its expectations and hopes, its setbacks and fears, and the immensity of the cultural divide between East and West. Sad, funny and poignant, it also provides a disturbing look at the British legal system in its too often arbitrary, casual – and racist – dealings with those who seek asylum. I don't think I have ever read a better picture of what exile means. A wonderful read: terrific writing. I loved the book.’ Caroline Moorehead
