The Finest Hotel in Kabul

A People's History of Afghanistan.

A remarkable portrait of modern Afghanistan told through the story of one extraordinary hotel.

When Kabul's Inter-Continental Hotel opened in 1969, it embodied Afghanistan's hopes for a modern, connected future. More than half a century later, it still stands, having survived coups, invasions, civil war, and the rise and return of the Taliban.

Drawing on nearly four decades of reporting from Afghanistan, Lyse Doucet uses the hotel and the lives of its staff to illuminate the country's turbulent history. Through the stories of housekeepers, chefs, and young employees whose lives have been shaped by conflict and change, she reveals the resilience, courage, and humanity of the Afghan people.

Rich in firsthand insight and unforgettable characters, The Finest Hotel in Kabul is an immersive and deeply moving account of a nation, its history, and the people who have endured against extraordinary odds.

A National Bestseller.