The unforgettable story of Masih, a teenage Afghan boy, who struggles to find his place amidst a chaotic atmosphere of war and political upheaval in 1980s. While he desires to join the mujahideen and free his country from the Soviet occupation, the Marxist regime insists on recruiting him into the youth communist organization. Masih resists the pressure because he thinks it is morally wrong to join a government that not only has facilitated the occupation of Afghanistan, but also arrested and jailed his father. Based on the author's personal experiences and observations during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, this historical novel is a fascinating and intellectually stimulating read. It is a vivid depiction of how a society struggled, sacrificed, and survived through a perilous time of war and political turmoil. This touching story helps the reader to emotionally connect with, and develop a deeper understanding of Afghans' culture, history, and politics.