When We Were Twins

When We Were Twins is a novel that explores the paths of once-inseparable twins Taher and Aisha, who diverge early due to political forces. It shows how innocence and loyalty to those we love can be twisted by political forces, leading a young man to choose a fateful path that changes the course of history. The novel explores themes of love and war, family, peace, and the price of freedom, and is infused with urgency and propelled by a sense of the world in catastrophe mode. It has been praised for its imaginative imagery and psychological snapshot of radicalization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

Taher and Aisha, once inseparable twins, take divergent paths early in their lives. When the USSR invades Afghanistan, Taher abandons their shared plans to study medicine in Europe and joins their cousin Ahmed as a medic for the mujahideen fighting the Soviets. Aisha's Western perspective grows, and her fear for her brother, who is becoming increasingly radicalized during the civil war between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance, intensifies. Danuta Hinc's novel, When We Were Twins, powerfully illustrates how innocence and loyalty to those we love can be twisted by political forces, leading a young man to choose a fateful path that changes the course of history. The questions Hinc's novel explores—about love and war, family, peace, and the price of freedom—couldn't be more urgent. Her imagination revs at full throttle, and we would be wise to go along for the ride. ASKOLD MELNYCZUK, author of The Man Who Would Not Bow, describes Hinc's novel as infused with urgency and propelled by a sense of the world in catastrophe mode. SVEN BIRKERTS, author of Changing the Subject: Art and Attention in the Internet Age, praises Hinc's novel for its deceptively simple yet brimming with visions and allegories. MARIA BUSTILLOS calls Taher a memorable protagonist and a psychological snapshot of radicalization, skillfully charted by the author. KIRKUS REVIEWS describes When We Were Twins as a work of historical imagination. Taher's journey from a privileged childhood in Egypt to his involvement in the Afghan conflict is a testament to the power of political forces to shape individuals' lives. Hinc's novel raises important questions about the nature of love, war, and the consequences of our choices. It is a timely and thought-provoking read that will leave readers pondering the complexities of our world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781951508340