Two strong women. Two cultures. One unifying cause: survival. Ellen Thomas, experienced war correspondent, returns to Afghanistan's dangerous Helmand Province on assignment, keen to find the murderer of her friend and translator, Jalil. In her search for justice in a land ravaged by death and destruction, she uncovers disturbing truths. Hasina, forced by tradition into the role of wife and mother, lives in a village which is taken by British Forces. Her only son, Aref, is part of a network of underground fighters and she is determined to protect him, whatever the cost. Ellen and Hasina are thrown together — one fighting for survival, the other searching for truth — with devastating consequences for them both. The Last Kestrel is a deeply moving and lyrical story of disparate lives — innocent and not-so-innocent — caught up in the horrors of war. It is a book which will resonate with fans of The Kite Runner and The Bookseller of Kabul.