Kandahar Cockney
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Kandahar Cockney by James Fergusson
The remarkable and touching story of a singular friendship between the author (an affluent Western correspondent) and his Pashtun interpreter who meet in an Afghan war-zone and resume their friendship when Mir becomes an asylum seeker in Londons East End.‘Excellent, gripping and thought-provoking…I thoroughly enjoyed it’ John Simpson
‘I read “Kandahar Cockney” in a single sitting. Not only is it suspenseful, but the descent into the strange and terrifying world of the asylum-seeker is both revealing and told with humour. This book is a bridge between two very different but sometimes oddly similar cultures. It reinforces my conviction that the British and the Afghans share many traits and values: a great sense of humour, abundant self-control, cheerful resilience in the face of enormous odds and a courage that is often heroic.’ Nick Danziger
‘Part travel, part memoir, part biography, “Kandahar Cockney” is more than a remarkable and vivid portrait of an Afghan refugee in Britain: it captures the essence of modern exile itself, with its expectations and hopes, its setbacks and fears, and the immensity of the cultural divide between East and West. Sad, funny and poignant, it also provides a disturbing look at the British legal system in its too often arbitrary, casual – and racist – dealings with those who seek asylum. I don't think I have ever read a better picture of what exile means. A wonderful read: terrific writing. I loved the book.’ Caroline Moorehead
James Fergusson has written as a freelance journalist for many magazines and newspapers, including the Independent, The Times, Daily and Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail. Economist, Prospect, GQ and Conde Nast Traveller, covering current affairs in Europe, North Africa, Central Asia and elsewhere. In 1998–2000 he was spokesman in Bosnia for the civilian peace-keeping force. he is the author of ‘The Vitamin Murders: Who Killed Healthy Eating in Britain?’.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780007156979 |
| ISBN 10 | 0007156979 |
| Title | Kandahar Cockney |
| Author | James Fergusson |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Year published | 2005-04-18 |
| Number of pages | 400 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |