When the Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi

Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Immigration Story

When the Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi is a moving and powerful novel that captures the struggles of a family fleeing from war-torn Afghanistan in search of safety and a better future. With lyrical prose and heartfelt emotion, Hashimi paints a vivid portrait of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds of family amidst unimaginable hardship.

Synopsis

Fereiba, a schoolteacher in Kabul, dreams of a peaceful life with her husband and children. But when the Taliban rises to power, her world collapses. After a devastating personal loss, she makes the courageous decision to flee Afghanistan with her three children. Their journey across dangerous borders and treacherous landscapes toward Europe is fraught with peril, heartbreak, and fleeting moments of hope.

Separated from her teenage son Saleem along the way, Fereiba must rely on her strength and determination to survive and reunite her family. Told through both Fereiba’s and Saleem’s perspectives, When the Moon Is Low is a story of courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Key Themes in When the Moon Is Low

• Family and Survival – The powerful bonds that sustain hope through hardship.

• War and Displacement – A raw, human portrayal of the refugee experience.

• Motherhood and Sacrifice – A mother’s strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.

• Identity and Belonging – Struggles of maintaining dignity and identity in foreign lands.

• Hope and Resilience – Finding light even in the darkest times.

Why Read When the Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi?

• Heartfelt and Emotional – A deeply touching narrative about family, loss, and survival.

• Beautiful, Lyrical Writing – Vivid descriptions and emotional depth that bring every scene to life.

• Timely and Relevant Story – Sheds light on the refugee experience with compassion and humanity.

• Strong, Memorable Characters – A portrait of resilience through the eyes of a mother and her son.

• Perfect for Fans of Emotional, Realistic Fiction – A must-read for those who appreciate stories of hope amidst adversity.

When the Moon Is Low is an unforgettable story of courage, heartbreak, and unwavering hope — a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit.