The Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance
By (Author) Karen Bartlett
Duckworth Books
Duckworth
2nd September 2025
28th August 2025
United Kingdom
General
Non Fiction
Public international law: human rights
Legal systems: judges and judicial powers
Human rights, civil rights
Paperback
288
Width 129mm, Height 198mm
Combining moment-by-moment drama with an emotional story of friendship and bravery,TheEscape from Kabulis also a searing insight into the captive fate of women in Afghanistan.
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 that respected the rule of law and human rights.However, when Western forces withdrew in August 2021, the women judges of Afghanistan faced mortal danger.
The Escape from Kabul is the extraordinary, never-before-told story of their escape, and the shocking fates of those who were unable to flee. Bestselling, veteran journalist Karen Bartlett has had unique access to many of the women involved,including those in exile and the judges still trapped in Afghanistan, as well as the international network of women judges who were vital to the escape effort.
Karen Bartlett was a speechwriter for President Nelson Mandela and has written for publications including The Times, Wiredand Newsweek about women's rights and empowerment around the world. She is the author of five works of non-fiction, including The Health of Nations and the Sunday Times bestseller After Auschwitz. She lives in London.