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Historical Fiction· Afghanistan

The Swallows of Kabul

by Yasmina Khadra
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2002French
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About This Book

When Yasmina Khadra published The Swallows of Kabul in 2002, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. Set in Taliban-controlled Kabul, The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra is a gripping tale of love and despair. The novel follows two couples whose lives intersect in tragic ways, highlighting the harsh realities of life under an oppressive regime. Khadra's evocative storytelling and vivid character portrayals offer a powerful critique of extremism and the resilience of the human spirit. Themes of oppression, love, despair run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorYasmina Khadra
Published2002
Country of Origin🇦🇫 Afghanistan
LanguageFrench
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780385511698
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇫 Afghanistan

This book is part of Afghanistan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Afghanistan →

Editorial Assessment

The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2002 in Afghanistan, it engages with oppression, love, despair, extremism in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Swallows of Kabul for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of oppression, love, despair, extremism is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Yasmina Khadra's role in the literature of Afghanistan is well established. The Swallows of Kabul can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20040
✍️
About the Author
Yasmina Khadra
Afghanistan
View Author →

Yasmina Khadra is a Afghanistan author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Swallows of Kabul about?

Set in Taliban-controlled Kabul, The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra is a gripping tale of love and despair. The novel follows two couples whose lives intersect in tragic ways, highlighting the harsh realities of life under an oppressive regime. Khadra's evocative storytelling and vivid character portrayals offer a powerful critique of extremism and the resilience of the human spirit.

Who wrote The Swallows of Kabul?

The Swallows of Kabul was written by Yasmina Khadra, from Afghanistan. First published in 2002.

What awards has The Swallows of Kabul won?

The Swallows of Kabul has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Swallows of Kabul worth reading?

The Swallows of Kabul is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in oppression, love, despair.

Where can I buy The Swallows of Kabul?

You can buy The Swallows of Kabul on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Swallows of Kabul?

The Swallows of Kabul is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Swallows of Kabul from?

The Swallows of Kabul originates from Afghanistan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Afghanistan on our country page.

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