Introduction to Afghanistan notes
Afghanistan notes
This spring, around April 1st, my 500 page novel, The Warlord’s Daughter will be published. I know it seems a little odd that a resident of South Arkansas, one who has never been to Afghanistan, could write a novel with that country as its primary setting. However, I lived in the Muslim world when I worked in North Africa, so I do have an understanding of that culture, but my personal interest in Afghanistan peaked a few years back when my son, Special Forces Sergeant Richard Ashley Mason and his Special Forces Team, spent a one year assignment there. As I followed his e-mails and photo postings I developed a fascination about the country and its people. My son’s vivid descriptions of everyday life in the country combined with his combat experiences were enough to make me began to investigate the country’s history as well as the varied social habits and lives of its people. The deeper I dug the more intrigued I became.
Finally, I sat down with my son and for hours I listened and took notes as he described the military actions he was involved in, and his interactions with the varied population of the country. His descriptions of the underlying infrastructure of the nation, and how the various warlords controlled the various parts of the country were fodder for the novel. When I decided to write the book I had several goals in mind: The general condition of the country and the military situation was paramount as I began to sketch out the framework of the novel. Then as I inserted various characters, especially the unusual warlord’s daughter, I wanted to highlight the plight of Afghan women. The conflicting interaction between western values and traditional culture in the country made for some interesting writing.
Over the next few months, prior to the publication date, I will be giving you my insights which I have picked up while writing the novel, as well as some observation from my Special Forces son. I think you’ll find his take on Afghanistan very insightful.
