Kabul 24 by Ben Pearson & Henry Arnold, 2009

This is my first book review for Thomas Nelson publishers. I am a supporter of their approach which provides bloggers with free books in exchange for reviews – great win-win idea! Anyway, here’s to many more books and blog reviews – enjoy.

Kabul 24 captures the story of a group of Christian aid workers who risked their lives to serve the people of war-torn Afghanistan. The common thread that ties the aid workers together is the organisation they are a part of, Shelter Now International (SNI). The aim of SNI is to come alongside refugee communities and serve, love and care for them and provide for their day-to-day needs.

This true life story is set around the time of the 9/11 terror attacks and imminent American invasion of Afghanistan. The atmosphere surrounding the SNI team in Kabul rapidly changes becoming tense and unpredictable. A sense that things could go horribly wrong starts to creep up on the team; and what they certainly hoped would not happen, does. They find themselves caught up in a hostage drama that only God can pull them out of.

My opinion of this book certainly improved the further I progressed. I pushed through the first 50 pages, which I found rather weak, and I am glad that I did. I felt that more historical context could have been given to the characters and the SNI organisation. Once into the main body of the story, I found myself wrapped up in the emotion of the situation. I had found a good companion for my evening commute.

I found this story personally challenging and humbling, particularly the risk taken to serve these refugees. I am left wondering what is to become of Afghanistan. Such anger, deception and brokenness – one can only hope that God has a plan to heal and restore. Overall Kabul 24 is a good read and a book I recommend.

Related posts:

1. Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega, 2009