The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's History of Afghanistan

Name: The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's History of Afghanistan
Author: Lyse Doucet
ISBN: 9781529151039

by Lyse Doucet

ISBN: 9781529151039

Published: 2025-09-18

History

When the Inter-Continental Hotel opened in Kabul in 1969, it reflected the hopes of the country: a glistening white edifice that embodied Afghanistan's dreams of becoming an affluent, modern power. Five decades later, and the Inter-Continental is a dilapidated, shrapnel-damaged shell. It has endured civil wars, terrorist attacks, the US occupation, and the rise, fall and rise of the Taliban. But its decaying grandeur still hints at ordinary Afghans' hopes of stability and prosperity. Lyse Doucet, the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, has been staying at the Inter-Continental since 1988. She has spent decades meeting its staff and guests, and listening to their stories. And now, she uses their experiences to offer an evocative history of modern Afghanistan. It is the story of Hazrat, the octogenarian receptionist who for five decades has been witnessing diplomats and journalists, mujahideen and US soldiers, passing through the hotel's doors. It is the story of Abida, the...

Compare Prices

Chapters Bookstore

In Stock

Checked: 16 days ago

€19.99

+ €5.00 shipping (Free over €30)

€24.99

Visit Store
O'Mahonys

Pre-Order

Checked: 21 days ago

€21.25

+ €4.99 shipping (Free over €30)

€26.24

Visit Store
Dubray Books

Out of Stock

Checked: 2 days ago

€24.65

+ €0.00 shipping (Free over €0)

€24.65

Visit Store