Tali Girls
A Novel of Afghanistan
by Siamak Herawi
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Pub Date Dec 12 2023 | Archive Date Oct 18 2023
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Description
A heartbreaking tragedy in the vein of The Kite Runner from a major English-speaking Afghan figure famous for his books and long career in politics
Siamak Herawi brings Afghan women centerstage and takes us deep into the heart of his motherland to witness the reality of their lives under the Taliban’s most extreme interpretation of Islam. Based on true stories, the result is a sobering and harrowing tale that relates the current ethos of a country under occupation by one power or another for more than half a century.
Told in a direct, conversational prose, this chorus of voices offers us a vivid picture of the endless cycle of the suffering of girls and women in the grip of the Taliban authorities, of the imbalance of power and opportunity.
The central figures illuminate the power of love, friendship, and generosity in the face of poverty and oppression. Their experiences and dilemmas have a visceral power and we become deeply attached to Kowsar, Geesu, and Simin. These are testaments of resilience, hope, courage, and visceral fear, of doors of opportunity opening just a crack that offer a way out.
In Sara Khalili’s vibrant and nuanced translation from the Persian, Tali Girls tears down the curtain and exposes the treacherous realities of what women are up against in modern-day, war-torn Afghanistan.
Advance Praise
"There are echoes here of Miriam Toews’s Women Talking . . . Herawi’s first novel to be published in the U.S. has been rendered into clear, pointed prose by Sarah Khalili. He uses the pervasive rituals of household and village life to provide color and context and displays compelling empathy when he contrasts older women’s anger and resignation with the girls’ shock and despair upon realizing the physical and emotional imprisonment they face."
-– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A dark warning for any society now facing the rise of extremist fundamentalism, and a literary feat of sublime compassion, Tali Girls is as painful to read as it is necessary. Siamak Herawi has given full voice to the suffering of Afghanistan’s women under Taliban rule. Oppression of this magnitude is a tragedy not only for a people, but for individuals with crushed hopes and lives—young Kowsar, Simin, Geesu. Know them, Herawi implores. The world must not turn away. The reader of this searing story can not."
-– Melissa Holbrook Pierson, author of The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing and The Secret History of Kindness
"Tali Girls is an electrifying book. Swift, devastating, and unforgettable."
-– Justin Torres, author of We the Animals and Blackouts
"Tali Girls is a harrowing novel about the brutal lives of women in a terrorist-controlled state. In the end, Kowsar’s fate remains an open question. This is, perhaps, the kindest possible conclusion to her story." — Eileen Gonzalez, Forward Reviews, starred review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781953861665 |
| PRICE | $22.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 340 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Roman C, Reviewer
Such an important book that deserves a wide audience - even if it wasn't as literarily powerful for me as I wanted. There's something a bit unsophisticated about the structure and writing, and the length works against the impact of the piece, I felt.
For all my personal reservations, I still think this glimpse into the lives of Afghani women is crucial and important for us as both part of a global response to the rolling back of women's rights everywhere and for the specific insight into that tragic country. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Mairy T, Reviewer
Tali Girls is the kind of book I love reading that makes me realize how lucky I am to be born in the West. Kowsar and Geesu ate not as lucky; the peaceful and lush valley of Tali has turned into a nightmare since the Taliban have taken over the country and are controlling the government. They have closed the local school and children are no longer allowed to enjoy and education. Heaven forbid they learn how to think! Kowsar suffers from fainting spells in times of great stress and that saves her life as the Head of the Department of Religious Education, Khodadad, is looking at making her is third of fourth wife (she is 9, he is in his late 50s). Kowsar's health situation turns him off so he chooses Simin instead.
Kowsar are dealing of a life where they get to marry the man they live, and they live happily and freely. Unfortunately, this book takes us for a walk in a place that is so dangerous, no westerners takes a chance visiting for pure leisure. My heart broke over and over throughout the book. It was a heart read but I loved sitting with these families who, despite the atrocities, many remained so kind, good-hearted and hospitable, it gave me hope. The only part I did not enjoy was the way the story ended. Too brutal, too blunt.
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Richard L, Educator
My thoughts echo those of other readers. This is a brutal read that doesn’t pull any punches. But this is nevertheless the reality of a country and people torn apart by extortion, tyranny, persecution and lawlessness. Ignorance, fear, and superstition run rife. Some courageous souls make futile attempts to break free from the shackles of misogyny and patriarchy and instil a modicum of human rights.
Its literary style may appeal more to new adult readers.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for granting this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
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