Historical fiction has so much to offer in the way of breadth and connection, it’s a powerful mechanism to connect people between time and space. A well-researched historical fiction has the power to offer emotional depth and draw attention to important places and people. In combination with nonfiction, historical writing can provide a grassroots-level perspective, accessible to the writer in their fieldwork which may consist of interviewing people in their own spaces. Some may say this is a needed aspect of history, to avoid looking solely at the archives produced by the upper echelons of society. In any case, it is a more holistic approach to understanding history. Fiction is powerful, as any reader will tell you; all fiction is imagined history, but the genre of historical fiction draws to certain points in time of significance, often the author having a vested interest in the subject matter.
Khaled Hosseini’s writing has had a profound impact on me as a reader, it’s sharp, painful and above all else, human. Hosseini, being from Kabul, Afghanistan, evokes the subtle nuances of the city, the vibrancy of its markets and the everyday politics of gender, power, religion and sexuality. I have always been drawn to books with a female protagonist as I find them easiest to connect with but Hosseini’s exploration of adolescence and masculinity in The Kite Runner has the ability to captivate a reader of any background. Amir, the protagonist, is young and naive in many ways but is equally forced to face the harsh realities of conflict and the Soviet invasion in 1979. Hosseini’s use of contrast between Amir’s childlike quality and the sexual abuse that he endures is jarring, showcasing how innocence can live alongside trauma.
Hosseini’s second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, was equally powerful in its ability to transport the reader to a different place; it follows Mariam, a complex character whose story requires a trigger warning for verbal and physical abuse. Hosseini’s use of character development is unmatched in this novel as Mariam is hardened by the trauma she is subject to. The novel exhibits how experiences can shape one’s life and personality. Mariam’s killing of her abusive husband Rasheed, allows for a cathartic ending that leaves the reader feeling relieved and hollow at the same time, with the realisation that violence can never be erased. Hosseini’s novel is haunting at every step and unique in its ability to reproduce trauma across generations.
“Afghanistan” by R9 Studios FL (Thanks to all the fans!!!) is licensed under CC BY 2.0