The Escape from Kabul
Published by: Duckworth Books
A gripping story of rescue, survival and female solidarity.
In the twenty years since 2001, Afghan women obtained legal degrees, became judges and set out to transform their country – tackling corruption, and reducing horrifying levels of violence against women and children. These educated and powerful women led the mission to build a modern democracy. However, when Western forces withdrew in August 2021, the women judges of Afghanistan and their families faced mortal danger.
The Escape from Kabul is the never-before-told story of the escape of nearly 200 women and their families, thanks to a network of professional friends, female judges and lawyers from around the world, who refused to abandon them to the Taliban.
Read an extract from the book here.
Our judges said:
The imperilled lives of Afghani female judges in the wake of the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, rescued by other female judges around the world, is one of tragedy, bravery and hope. Bartlett tells it fearlessly in this deeply moving book that takes the reader on an emotional journey from despair and terror to relief. She brings the wider history of Afghanistan to life through extensive interviews and human stories, confronting issues of corruption and brutality head on, while weaving in a love and appreciation for the country.
