Book Title: City of Widows
Author: Nadia Hashimi
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Number of Pages: 432
ISBN: 0063587092
Date Published: Jul. 28, 2026
Book Review
“City of Widows” by Nadia Hashimi explores the lives of Afghan women during the Taliban’s early return to power in 2021. Central to the story are Marjan and her daughter Hawa, who flee their rural village for Kabul amid increasing violence and oppression. The title reflects the plight of widows, as women seek work and safety in a city where they are unsupported and vulnerable. The characters, including Soraya, a former soldier, and Mina, a journalist, confront their precarious reality as Afghanistan’s social and economic fabric unravels.
Marjan, previously the bacha posh—a girl raised as a boy for societal mobility—navigates her history of abuse and loss while advocating for her daughter’s education and future. The novel weaves their struggles with poignant reflections on the broader consequences of the Taliban’s rule, emphasising issues like the lack of recognition for women and the collapse of livelihoods. Echoes of resilience permeate the story, demonstrating women’s roles as entrepreneurs and caregivers amid severe constraints.
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Author Nadia Hashimi’s effective writing balances beauty with a stark depiction of reality, underlining her commitment to authentically representing Afghan women’s experiences. The book serves as both a harrowing account and a sense of hope, inviting readers to reconsider their perspectives on freedom and courage. “City of Widows” stands out as a profound work, deeply rooted in the lived realities of women who refuse to disappear quietly, making it an important read that leaves a lasting impact.
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