Escape From Kabul – Book Review
Escape From Kabul by Enakshi Sengupta is a real-life survival story based on the dramatic events surrounding the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The book follows five women connected to the Anglo-American University of Kabul who suddenly find their lives under threat when the city collapses into chaos.All who had been working for the allies were now facing a dire fate at the hands of the Taliban regime.Escape was the only option but it was a daunting task.
The narrative captures their fear, confusion, and struggle for safety as they attempt to escape a situation where every decision could determine their future. For readers looking for books on Afghanistan, true survival stories, or accounts of the Kabul evacuation, this book offers a true and realistic account of what the people experienced during those days.
A Realistic Reading Experience
One of the strongest qualities of Escape From Kabul is its realistic tone. Anjali and four women of different nationalities, who were at the Anglo-American University of Kabul, were forced into hiding,when the Taliban gained control of Kabul.The women are unsure of whom to trust.The events are described with plain honesty, making the reader feel the danger and tension faced by the women. There are moments where the situation changes within minutes. A seemingly safe ride becomes threatening, or a trusted person suddenly behaves in a way that raises hackles.
The book offers a strong emotional impact without exaggeration. It shows how fragile life becomes during political breakdowns. The fear of being identified, the stress of hiding, and the pressure of planning an escape all come through clearly. For anyone researching the Afghanistan Taliban takeover or understanding civilian experiences, this book brings a touching human perspective.
How the Author’s Background Shapes the Story
The author of ‘Escape from Kabul’ Enakshi Sengupta comes from an academic and research-oriented background. She holds a PhD and has experience working in global educational settings.She herself had witnessed these dangerous times first hand in Kabul . This background is give simpetus and strength to her writing. Her approach is structured, factual, and responsible, which adds credibility to this daring flight to freedom.
Her ability to collect details, present multiple viewpoints, and maintain accuracy makes the book convincing. Escape From Kabul does not feel sensational or exaggerated. Instead, it reads like a carefully researched real-life account. This makes the escape story more powerful, especially for readers interested in non-fiction books about women, crisis situations, and human-rights issues.
Themes of Courage and Solidarity
The main themes of the book are courage, and the desire for freedom. The women in the story come from different backgrounds, yet they share the same sense of danger once the city falls. The book highlights how fear can take over daily life when the social structure of a nation collapses.
Another strong theme is solidarity. The women depend on each other and sometimes on strangers. Their bond, even under extreme pressure, becomes a source of strength. This makes the book especially meaningful for readers who enjoy survival narratives that focus on emotional resilience and shared support.
Book Specifications
Title: Escape From Kabul: A True Story of Escape and Survival
Author: Enakshi Sengupta
Publisher: Harper Non-Fiction India
Genre: Non-fiction, Real-life Survival
Pages: 224
Price: Rs 339/- for paperback.Buy it at a discount on Amazon.in –HERE
Language: English
An impactful First person account Survival Narrative
Escape From Kabul by Enakshi Sengupta is a thoughtful and gripping account of survival during the Kabul 2021 takeover. Its simple language, realistic tone, and careful research make it suitable for a wide range of readers.
Escape From Kabul focuses only on the journey of these five women. It does not attempt to cover the entire political history of Afghanistan or the complete impact of the Taliban takeover on the population. Readers looking for deep political analysis may find the scope limited.
However, for those who want a personal and direct story that reflects the ground situation faced by many in Kabul in 2021, the book works very well. It introduces the crisis through real people without overwhelming the reader with complex political details.
Whether you are interested in Afghanistan’s recent history, women’s experiences during conflict, or real-life escape stories, this book provides a strong and informative reading experience. It is a meaningful addition to the growing list of non-fiction books that document human courage during times of crisis.
This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program“
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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