Book Review: Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday 

By Jamaluddin Aram 

4 Stars 

Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday is not one big story but rather a collection of multiple short stories that all take place in Kabul. Each of the stories focuses on the daily lives of neighbours, friends, and even complete strangers, all of whom are trying to live their lives in the middle of the war. Through a creative and unique style of writing, Jamaluddin Aram shows a community that has learned how to continue with everyday life despite being surrounded by conflict and violence. The way he portrays Kabul makes the city feel alive even though it is war-torn.   

I thought this book was very fun to read and surprisingly engaging. The stories did not feel fake or made up at all. Instead, they felt very real and believable, which made it much easier to connect with the characters and imagine their struggles. I especially liked how the book contained many smaller stories that were different from each other but still felt connected as part of the same community. Each story added a new layer to the big picture of people living in Kabul during the war, and that made it an enjoyable and meaningful read for sure.  

I would recommend this book to readers of all ages because of how simple and easy it is to read, while still having a serious message. It is both humorous in parts and very informative about what people went through in Afghanistan. Overall, it is an enjoyable, unique, and memorable book. 

Reviewed by Hayyan 

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