When We Were Twins: A Novel

by Danuta Hinc

From their privileged childhood in Egypt, the paths of once-inseparable twins Taher and Aisha diverge

When the USSR invades Afghanistan, Taher abandons their shared plans to study medicine in Europe, instead joining their cousin, Ahmed, as a medic for the mujahideen fighting the Soviets. As Aisha’s Western perspective grows, so does her fear for her brother, who is becoming increasingly radicalized during the civil war between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance. With powerful imagery, Danuta Hinc’s When We Were Twins shows how innocence and loyalty to those we love can be twisted by political forces, leading a young man to choose a fateful path that changes the course of history.




“The questions Hinc’s novel explores—about love and war, about family, peace, and the price of freedom—couldn’t be more urgent. Her imagination revs at full throttle, and we would be wise to go along for the ride.”

— ASKOLD MELNYCZUK, author of The Man Who Would Not Bow




“Infused with urgency and propelled by a sense of the world in catastrophe mode…”

— SVEN BIRKERTS, author of Changing the Art and Attention in the Internet Age




“A deceptively simple novel brimming with visions and allegories…Hinc has created a work of historical imagination.”

— MARIA BUSTILLOS






“Taher is a memorable protagonist…A psychological snapshot of radicalization, intelligently charted by the author…”

— KIRKUS REVIEWS

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[Nicholas Pietrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book humanizes the taboo act of jihad in a way that only a skilled, nuanced writer could. It follows the journey of a young man on his way towards radicalization, depicting the rationality for such a treacherous path. Peace and war, love and hatred, freedom and tyranny are all explored, artfully placed within the historical backdrop of the USSR's invasion of Afghanistan. The twins from the title, Taher and Aisha, represent the conflicting relationship between East and West, as Aisha receives her Western education while Taher moves to join the Taliban. The story portrays the gravity of our pivotal choices, how they can affect not just our loved ones but sometimes many more, and sometimes can shape the course of human history.

[Aniyah D · Rating 4 out of 5]

When We Twins is a quietly stunning novel that lingers long after the final page. Danuta Hinc writes with an emotional precision that feels both intimate and expansive, capturing the fragile, unspoken bonds that form between siblings who grow up mirroring each other’s fears, hopes, and hidden selves. What makes the book so moving is its elegant balance of tenderness and tension, Hinc never rushes the story, allowing the characters’ inner worlds to unfold with honesty and depth.

The narrative explores identity, memory, and loss through a voice that is lyrical yet grounded, making even the smallest moments feel luminous. Hinc’s ability to portray the complexities of twinhood, its closeness, its estrangement, its strange doubling, is profoundly affecting. This novel doesn’t simply tell a story; it immerses you in the psychological landscape of two intertwined lives.

Ultimately, When We Twins is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant book that invites readers to reflect on the bonds that shape us. It’s a work that rewards patience, evokes empathy, and reaffirms the power of literature to illuminate the most delicate corners of human experience.

[alexis hayry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When We Were Twins is the story of twins, who are initially alike any other twins, with bickering and favoritism being the majority of their conflict. But, as their stories diverge and we follow the life of Taher from childhood to adulthood, the book takes a turn and elicits this twisted ability to make you sympathize with a terrorist. The attention to detail in the culture of 1970s Egypt and the Middle East makes the book all the more captivating, and I found myself begging Taher to make different choices through the pages. While I am positive I would not sympathize with a terrorist in real life, my reaction towards this book did provide me a sense of gained perspective that I was not anticipating when I began reading.

[Neekie Rahimian · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Were Twins by Danuta Hinc is a fantastic novel. The characters – especially the main character – felt real, complex, and compelling. The author does an especially wonderful job of realistically portraying the main character’s fall into extremism. The relationships between characters felt authentic, and the portrayal of gendered norms within the culture depicted was very well done. The writing style and voice felt very authentic, and the dialogue flowed very well. As someone who typically is a slow reader, I had no trouble following the pacing. The story itself was quite original, and it is very evident that the author spent a great deal of time doing research into the relevant history in order to create an accurate portrayal. Without spoiling too much, the ending left me in shock. Overall, this was a brilliant, unforgivable read that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I fully recommend it!

[alyssa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the absolute honor of having Hinc as an English professor during my time at University. She is a master of the craft, but she is also one of the kindest and most encouraging professors I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Hinc brings this joy for writing to When We Were Twins, tackling an incredibly difficult topic with poise and creativity. You will find yourself engaged with both of the twins, each in a unique way. The diverse cast of characters proves the tender research that went into this piece, as a worldly perspective is proudly on display. I would encourage anyone interested in realistic and historical fiction to read this novel, as both the style and quality of the piece is something you won't want to miss.

[Jchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling novel that explored the relation between family and identity, under the backdrop of an increasingly polarized post Nasserist Egypt. The main point of the story was the relationship between the twins Aisha and Taher, whose contrasting personalities as children served as a representation of them being paired opposites. Later in the story as adults, this relationship would only expand further as Taher becomes increasingly radicalized after joining in the Soviet-Afghan war. To avoid spoiling too much, this novel offers a unique perspective on the middle east from a more human perspective.

[Nethmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the writing, it kept me on my toes each time I turned the page. It was beautifully written and explained everything in great detail as if I could picture myself in that very moment. The author also did a really good job of capturing the relationship between the main character and his family. You could tell that the author put an extensive amount of research into writing this story, trying to keep it as realistic as possible for the period it was written in. For those who typically shy away from nonfiction, I'd recommend this book as a compelling starting point, providing an accessible introduction to the genre.

[Emily Ewers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly lucky to have Hinc as my English teacher while I was in college. She is an expert in her field, and she is also one of the kindest and most supportive teachers I have ever worked with. Hinc shares their love for writing in When We Were Twins, addressing a very tough subject with grace and imagination. You will connect with both twins, but in different ways. The variety of characters shows the careful research that was done for this work, highlighting a broad view of the world. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys realistic and historical fiction. Its writing style and quality are impressive and worth your time.

[Diana Stevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an astonishing read, as it gave me some distance from the western perspective of what happened on 9/11 and the following wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The author, Danuta Hinc, illustrates in a senstive way what's at stake for all sides during conflict. And also how the actions of the west can easily radicalize those who want peace but feel they have no choice when their own are attacked or treated unjustly. In the end, it's the innocent who get caught fighting battles that others have started. A highly recommended novel.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book and getting to talk to the author at the same time was an incredible experience. Hearing about the processing behind which this book's contents were made and hearing about what kind of things inspired the events made it very exciting to read. The content of the book was a delicate subject but the author did an incredible job making sure that there was never any disrespect or lack of education on the topic. I was amazed at how well the characters were brought to life and would want to go back and re-read to see what kind of things I missed. 

[KejiaSun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how the author uses detailed descriptive words to create the scenes for the readers. I also like how the author implies the cultural and societal norms/expectations by using dialogues and imagery not just explicitly telling the story. I also resonate with what happened between the main characters, I feel like that happened to me and my brother a lot when we were little. I also think the deep message that the author was trying to convey is really meaningful and thought-provoking. Overall, this is a great book that I would recommend.

[Abheek Pant · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When We Were Twins" is a novel by Danuta Hinc that tells the story of Taher and Aisha, who were twins that took 2 very different paths in life. The novel is beautifully written and thought-provoking, and it does not shy away from difficult subjects such as war, terrorism, and the loss of innocence. Hinc is a gifted storyteller who creates characters that are both complex and relatable. This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in the cost war. It's a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

[Naomi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revealing novel written by my inspiring professor Danuta Hinc, When We Were Twins opens with our main character, Taher, high jacking a plane. We then are taken back to his childhood in Egypt and are introduced to his twin Aisha. The two grow up and the reader sees how the backdrop of a culture which prioritizes men from an early age shapes self-esteem and self image. The novel gives a complex experience of war and pain and values and truth and good, following Taher through being an adult until the moment the novel opens with. This novel is a plea for humanity in us all, to see the twin.

[Bambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Were Twins is an intense and unforgettable story about family, choices, and how the world shapes who we become. The twins feel like real people, and the book does a great job showing how circumstances and beliefs can pull them in different directions. The author makes the setting and culture feel vivid and lived-in, which makes the story even more engaging. The pacing lets you really feel the weight of their struggles, and the ending hits hard. Overall, it’s a powerful, memorable read that sticks with you after you finish.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I wish there was a sequel! The author (Professor Hinc) has invited her readers to think more deeply about hijackers. This book shows how complex people are and how a person's upbringing (family, culture, where you live) has a great impact on molding a person into who they are. I highly recommend this book. It is very creative and descriptive. This book was a very easy read and had many twists and turns that constantly kept readers engaged throughout.

[Hannah Swanstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hinc's book served as a perspective that I was quite unfamiliar with, and it was very impactful to read. I enjoyed how the book started with its major conflict, but the story of Taher was then started from the beginning of his life. Taher's relationship with his sister Aisha shows how polar opposites siblings can be even with their love for each other. This book shows how loyalty and the drive to do something for a loved one can impact the course of one's life amidst their innocence.

[Jennifer Wojeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinc's When We Were Twins is a highly entertaining and well-written read. Her writing is lively and fluid, fully encapsulating each reader as they traverse her work. The narrative of two twins and their diverging paths was enthralling, I love stories of family dynamics. Her work made me think about my own relationship with my brother and how we have grown apart and separated, while also considering what your purpose is.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Were Twins is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that focuses on the destruction of innocence and the horrors of war through the lens of a wealthy boy from Egypt who joins his cousin fighting against the USSR, changing his person forever. It delves into the meaning of loyalty, family, and war as the main character, Taher, is thrown into conflict about who he wants to be. The writing is beautiful and the different perspectives brings a deeper meaning to the text. 

[Hylene Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very immersive story. Without spoiling much, When We Were Twins is a very tragic tale that delves into how war changes people. As with many war stories, there are going to be some graphic scenes, but the worst ones are not written very explicitly which I deeply appreciate. I think this is a great story that effectively brings you into the mind and headspace of someone experiencing and being changed by a violent and harrowing war.

[Alison Vo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting exploration of perspective while also dealing with questions of family, identity, and war. The narrative draws you in, enticing you to follow along a tale of two siblings that face obstacles concerning their ideologies and gender, causing their paths to diverge early in life. Hinc’s writing clearly shows how much research and thought went into the novel, and the piece stands as a representation of how much can be impacted by our choices in life.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a troubling novel. The twins in this book go their separate ways. It is a complex tale of the human experience at the crossroads of identity, politics and religion. It is a novel that restores our sense of humanity even tough there is senseless violence. The author’s writing is filled with imagery. This is a novel in a world that is distant yet close. Included is a bibliography of her sources for writing this novel.

[Jessica Jacklitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such an insightful concept, comparing the path of twins, one of whom goes down a path of terrorism. It provides an interesting perspective of how two people from the exact same origin are shaped by social influence, radicalization, gender roles, and life experiences. Every storytelling decision is intentional, the imagery is thoughtful, and the plot compelling. I was very emotionally invested throughout this read. Also very well-researched!

[Hannah Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself was well written and had incredible imagery, but the content wasn’t my cup of tea and I read it for class in a short amount of time so that is why I’m giving it 3 stars. I would do 3.5 but yk. Don’t get me wrong though the writing was really well done and I could follow the book, but there was a lot I didn’t understand so that made it a bit more challenging.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was somewhat interesting and not the most
horrible read. But it bothered me how the author is also a university professor who required us to buy this book for her English class and made it a mandatory graded assignment to leave a good review across diff websites lol (I took her class a few years ago and came upon her book again here)

Most of the comments are basically her students 💀

[Eliana Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hinc's novel is very striking, going into heavy topics of our modern day. She addresses the ways one's culture and environment holds such a strong influence over who we turn out to be, and does not fail to shy away from controversial topics such as terrorism, extremism, feminism, and more.

[Ari Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was an impactful read. A lot of thought and research was done by the author to try and convey the main message of the novel. The characters in this novel were carefully crafted so that the reader can fully understand the character's motives and emotions.

[Sc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Hinc writes in a straightforward manner that is easy to follow and engage with. She is able to create characters that you want to invest your time in getting to know. Her writing is vivid and captivating.

[Benjamin Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written novel that truly harnesses the power of imagery and emotion. This book conveyed such a beautiful theme revolving the idea of being a human, and Danuta Hinc's writing captured different perspectives in such a thoughtful and moving way. This is a must-read.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Were Twins was a wonderful and thoughtful book. It was clear that the author put a lot of effort into researching the topic beforehand and had a lot of passion for this story. The perspective this story took was unique and refreshing and I really enjoyed reading it. 

[ava garzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We were Twins provided a unique perspective to a topic that I wouldn't have normally reached for. It manages to cover a broad span of issues and concepts in a way that was interesting to read. Would highly recommend.