War & Peace & War: Twenty years in Afghanistan

A definitive account of the region whose fate defined the first two decades of the 21st century.

In early 2022, veteran journalist Andrew North was kidnapped by the Taliban. By the time he found himself imprisoned in a jail cell, he had been reporting from Afghanistan for two decades, coming to know hundreds of Afghans along the way. This book brings together both his and their stories.

Farzana was banned from attending school as a child, but education would take her further than she could have imagined.

Bilal's dream of becoming a journalist came true, but at a cost.

While Abdul's ambition to become a doctor was thwarted, Jahan's prospects transformed radically for the better.

And in a quiet province, the life of a boy called Naqibullah was shattered.

Witness to both the country's transformation and the mistakes that eventually led to its collapse, in War & Peace & War North vividly evokes a country where foreign powers and internal forces have been on a collision course for over two centuries.

Review

'A profoundly moving account of Afghanistan's hopes and agonies. Crammed with vivid characters, North brings the country's tortured history to life with nuance and hard-won understanding. A thrilling read' -- Andrew Harding ― author of A Small Stubborn Town

'For anyone seeking an account that allows them to re-examine the most bewildering of the "Wars on Terror," North's book is an excellent choice. In his careful hands, we see Afghanistan- that chronically misunderstood warscape - as a place of uncommon humanity. We are all better for it' -- Jon Lee Anderson ― author of The Fall of Baghdad

'A powerful, compassionate and clear-eyed account of the tragedies and occasional triumphs of Afghans over the last 20 years by one of the best-informed reporters covering the conflicts there. Readable, perceptive and engaging, North's writing and drawings together vividly portray Afghanistan as it was, is now and, perhaps, how it might one day be' -- Jason Burke ― author of On The Road to Kandahar

'Andrew North has a deep empathy and understanding for Afghanistan and has seen sides of it - both good and horrifying - that very few international observers have encountered' -- Rory Stewart

'Anyone who wants to learn about Afghanistan, its people and its turbulent history, must read War & Peace & War. Andrew North tells the story of my generation, the one before me and the new generation beautifully. While the title of the book breaks my heart as an Afghan, it also reminds me of the popular prayer our grandmothers say: 'My child, may you taste peace in our homeland in your lifetime.' -- Zarghuna Kargar ― author of Dear Zari: The Secret Lives of Women in Afghanistan

'By weaving personal stories into a modern history of Afghanistan, Andrew North provides a touching and intimate portrait of the country he grew to love. His beautiful illustrations add a unique perspective on how war has destroyed or transformed generations of Afghans' -- Lindsey Hilsum

'North's experience as a reporter is combined with his unmistakable affection for Afghanistan, making this a work of empathy and insight. This is an important book for anyone seeking to understand the country beyond the ephemeral news cycle' -- Taran Khan ― author of Shadow City: A Woman Walks Kabul

'Weaves in his own reporting with sharp insights' ― The Economist

About the Author

Andrew North is an award-winning British journalist and former BBC foreign correspondent in Afghanistan, Iraq, India and the United States. He first reported from Afghanistan in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and was based in Kabul for many years. He has covered conflicts across Asia and the Middle East and contributed to a wide range of international publications, including The Economist, The Guardian, The Independent, Nikkei Asia and Foreign Policy. In his spare time, he sketches. His artistic reportage work has been recognised with a Webby nomination.