Reviewer: Matthew C. Brand
Journal: The Strategy Bridge
Publication Date: 15 February 2023
Photo credit: David Peterson/ Pexels
External Review
This review of The Lone Leopard by *Dr Sharifullah Dorani was originally published in The Strategy Bridge. A short excerpt and summary are presented here for readers of this website.
Key Comment
“Sharifullah Dorani provides an interesting, suspenseful, and impactful story that should especially appeal to those who want to learn more about Afghanistan’s complex culture and recent tumultuous history.”
Summary of the Review
The reviewer describes The Lone Leopard as a compelling novel that explores Afghanistan’s social and political complexities through an engaging narrative. The story follows Ahmad Azizi, whose life unfolds amid the upheavals surrounding the collapse of the Soviet-backed Afghan government in the early 1990s and later developments in the country’s modern history.
Through Ahmad’s experiences, the novel portrays Kabul as a diverse society shaped by ethnic and religious differences, as well as the tensions between traditional values and modern political influences. The narrative also explores the meaning of Pashtunwali—the traditional code of conduct among Pashtun communities—and the ways different Afghan groups interpret its principles during periods of conflict and political change.
The review highlights Dorani’s depiction of Kabul’s Makroryan neighbourhood as a symbol of the social inequalities that developed during the Soviet-backed era, illustrating how political privilege and economic disparities contributed to resentment and instability.
Particular attention is also given to the character of Frishta, a determined advocate of women’s rights who rises to political prominence. Her story reflects the aspirations of many Afghans for education, reform, and greater participation in public life.
Overall, the reviewer concludes that The Lone Leopard offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of Afghanistan’s cultural diversity and turbulent modern history, bringing to life the resilience and determination of the Afghan people.
➡ Read the full review: Reviewing The Lone Leopard
*Dr Sharifullah Dorani holds a PhD from Durham University on America’s Afghanistan War, a Master of Laws from University College London, and a degree in law from the University of Northampton, all in the UK. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles and two acclaimed books: The Lone Leopard, a novel set in Afghanistan, and America in Afghanistan, published by Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the founder of CEPSAF and serves as the South Asia and Middle Eastern Editor at CESRAN International. All of Dr Dorani’s work is written to the highest academic standards and is widely indexed through Google Scholar.