Publications
Through her books, Nadia not only shares her personal experiences and cultural heritage but also extends an invitation to readers to understand and empathize with the complex tapestry of Afghan life and the universal themes of freedom, resilience, and hope.
El Somni de la Mirabel (2023)
The Dream of Mirabel weaves a narrative of freedom through vivid imagery, suggesting liberty is as boundless as the sky or as peaceful as a secluded forest, away from the constraints of societal demands. “She would open her enormous and brilliant eyes wide and tell me that freedom was to fly like a bird, touching the clouds or gliding over a lake, deciding at each moment where you want to go. What freedom could also be a forest of tall trees where we could live in peace, without anyone hurting us or forcing us to do jobs we don’t want to do for nothing.”
Somiant la pau (2022)
Dreaming of Peace unfolds Nadia’s poignant journey amidst the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021, reflecting on the realities faced by those seeking safety and the broader narrative of displacement. Stemming from heartfelt discussions with journalist Ariadna Oltra, the book delves into the experiences of Nadia’s family—both those who managed to find refuge in Spain and those left behind in Kabul—mirroring the hardships of countless Afghan families and displaced people globally. It confronts the chilling images of desperation that gripped the world’s attention, seeking to keep the conversation alive on the ongoing plight of refugees and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
El País dels ocells sense ales (2021)
The Country of Wingless Birds is an allegory inspired by Nadia Ghulam’s experiences with refugees, portraying the journey of Bibí, a wingless bird seeking safety and belonging amidst turmoil. Written in Lesbos in 2019, Nadia dedicates this story to refugees worldwide, emphasizing the resilience required to find hope and a place to call home. This narrative symbolizes the struggles of war and the quest for refuge. “This unique tale is devoted to the refugees of Lesbos, to my homeland, and especially to the most vulnerable among us, particularly the children, who must fight every day to grow their wings, to be able to fly and find a nest”.
El Llenyataire de Kabul (2020)
The Woodcutter of Kabul explores the profound nature of friendship through the story of a bear and a woodcutter, integrated into the vibrant mosaic of Afghan culture. This illustrated children’s book highlights the importance of friendship and teaches readers, young and old, about the healing power of emotional bonds, reminding us that the wounds of the heart can run deeper than any physical scars.
La primera estrella del vespre (2016)
The First Star of the Evening is a poignant testament to the resilience and hope of the women in the author’s Afghan family, who exhibit remarkable fortitude through their daily struggles and defiance of societal norms. Nadia’s journey back to her homeland uncovers the hidden stories of her family’s women, as well as her own fears and identity as a woman. It is a narrative of exploration, familial revelations, and unanswered questions, portraying the reality of women living in vastly different societies from our own and their ability to overcome adversity.
Contes que em van curar (2014)
Tales That Healed Me resurrects the Afghan traditional tales narrated by Nadia’s mother, providing insight into the history of a country ravaged by war and the resilience found in storytelling to safeguard one’s identity and cultural legacy amidst destruction. Nadia’s mother shared these tales with her during her hospitalization following the bombing of their home. “Those stories are always present to me. They keep me company, especially now that I am far from my country. Thanks to the stories, when I feel lost, I see the light of the cabin in the woods there in the distance. It is the emotional dimension of my identity”.
El secret del meu turbant (2010)
The Secret of my Turban is a renowned and award-winning autobiography by Nadia Ghulam, depicting her extraordinary journey from a young victim of war to a symbol of resilience and courage. At just eight years old, Nadia’s life is forever changed when a bomb destroys her home, leaving her with severe injuries. Determined to support her family in the face of the Taliban’s oppressive regime, Nadia bravely adopts the identity of her deceased brother and works tirelessly to provide for her loved ones. A poignant portrayal of one woman’s unwavering quest for freedom and justice.
