1,000 Nights: Death's Love Letter to Afghanistan

by Eli Gardner

Winner of 2022 American Fiction Awards-- Visionary Fiction Category
Winner of an Honorable Mention at the L.A. Book Festival

Meet Death, and the girl who makes a deal with her.

Half war story, half fairytale, 1000 Nights follows Afghan-American translator Sergeant Zee West as she conducts patrols in Afghanistan. An IED blast separates her from her unit, and she is taken hostage by a man with plans to ransom her to the Taliban for a small fortune. Her desperate journey begins as she attempts to humanize herself to her captor and dissuade him from his agenda. She begins to tell him a story she has penned about a girl who makes a deal with Death and must accomplish 5 seemingly impossible tasks, battling dark genies along the way. Each task represents a sense that binds one to life-- touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste. Yet, every night, Zee intentionally shares only 1 chapter, leaving her captor curious for more, delaying her fate one night at a time.

In this homage to ‘1001 Nights’ (Arabian Nights), Zee is at the mercy of her own story, and the willingness of her captor to open his heart to her words. It is based loosely on things seen by the author in her own 1000 night stay in Afghanistan. It was written to show the world the beautiful and often overlooked side to that country and her people.

25% of book sales donated to Afghan aide through The Khaled Hosseini Foundation & Save Our Allies

Genres: Fiction

244 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh...I loved everything about this book. The imagery and language are simply exquisite. The author captured the essence of Afghanistan, the pain and the beauty, in both the reality thread of the American military presence and the stunning fantasy thread. Through it all, the souls of women everywhere and what makes us all the same was the beating heart of this story. I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time. (Meanwhile, I'll visit my favorite Afghan restaurant.)

[Darah Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was comfy in the same way that fairy tales are. It reminded me very much of The Neverending Story (my favorite book ever) ❤️

[Paulina Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!

I usually don't read to many books that are not historical or paranormal romance but I've loved Arabian nights since I was a child so I decided to give 1000 nights a read. I'm so very glad that I did. This book is so awesome I would recommend this book to anyone that loves to travel to a far off place in a great story. Part realization and part fairytale this is a must read. I don't want to give any of the story away you'll just have to read this great story. Now I'm off to read some more of this fantastic author.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I loved this book so much. So many characters that you just absolutely fell in love with. We are fortunate to have 2 stories within this book and I found them to be equally interesting. It's been awhile since an ending of a book made me feel so content. I would 100% recommend this one! Well done!

[Jamie Kaminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. The multiple layers you get with the story within the story are superb.

Absolutely Amazing. It Is Done Well.

[Malinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Goodbye birds. I gave you all I had. Yet still, you gave me more.”

I loved this book. Very powerful, and memorable.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My gosh. What a FANTASTIC book!! The story mirrors 1001 Nights, but expertly weaves in current events and immersion in the oft overlooked beauty of Afghanistan. Set in modern-day Afghanistan, Zee is an American soldier who survives a suicide bomber, only to be kidnapped for sale to the Taliban. Her only saving grace is her captor’s growing interest in a story she’s written; one of a young girl who makes a deal with Death and has to accomplish a series of tasks to survive. The tasks are based on an amalgam of folk tales that Zee has learned, inspired by people she’s encountered. The result is a beautiful read: half wartime military thriller, half ancient Middle Eastern fantasy. PLEASE do yourself a favor and pick up this book!

[Heather Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually bother writing reviews because I don't put enough into them to make them worth your time. In this moment though. Let me tell you I read this book in one sitting. It was beautiful, painful luscious and I loved the heightened experience of listening to it with afghani music in the background. Read it and be different please.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It was a wonderful mix of reality and fantasy that gives the reader a glimpse into a world most people do not see. I highly recommend it.

[Laura Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, layered, gorgeous story. This is the best book I've read in years. It's thought-provoking and empowering. I am in awe of what this young author has accomplished.

[Sarah Asermily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death’s voice was like the smoke of 10,000 cigarettes. It was a song and a poem, the call to prayer right as the sun set. It was centuries of moonrise and the noise of dirt shoveled onto a grave.”

This book may be one of my favorite reads of 2023, if not ever. After recently reading A Thousand Splendid Suns and being in awe of all of the turmoil that has been unleashed on Afghanistan for years, when I saw the blurb for 1,000 Nights, I instantly had to pick it up. And wow, am I glad I did. I won’t lie, I think this novel deserves the praise that Hosseini’s gets, if not more. It is THAT good. The story follows Zee— an American soldier serving in Afghanistan who gets caught in an attack and ends up a hostage, and Aspa— a girl who makes a deal with Death. I won’t say more than that so as to avoid spoilers, but the story is just *chefs kiss* so good. It’s a quick read with admirable characters (even the ones you think are bad), a captivating storyline, and INCREDIBLE writing. I need to read any and all of Eli Gardner’s work after this. I truly can’t say enough amazing things about this book. Read it, and then read it again!

[Jane Hambling · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Eli messaged me to ask if i would review her book she wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it, and I can honestly say I loved every minute of this book. Eli has taken so much care and attention to every detail, the cover is eye catching and the layout and font inside the book is great and it’s very easy to read

Now for the story itself I love how Eli has told a story within a story and both characters are very strong female leads, I couldn’t put this book down, zee is such a strong person and I love how she tells the story of Aspa to her captor, he and his wife enjoyed hearing about Aspa’s journey. Zee uses her story about Aspa to her advantage.

Aspa herself what a brave, strong female she is, she fought through all her tasks and I love the woman she became, how caring she is was lovely.

On a whole Eli has written a truly beautiful book and I loved it and couldn’t put it down, I have recommended it to family and friends too.

I also love how Eli wrote death as a female, that is refreshing to have death represented by a woman in a story

I can’t wait for your next book

[Justin D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good story and the only thing that supersedes a good story is another amazing story within it. This book is a masterpiece of story inception. From the author's introduction to the very last page, it grabs ahold of you and won't let go. Eli's personal military experience combined with a 1000+ nights spent in the war-torn place she loves most is revealed throughout this story telling experience. Her connection with the people of Afghanistan and time spent working the refugee camps brings forth the hard truths about how women are treated there, especially young girls. This book breaks those barriers and transports you to place place you want to be a part of. A better place. A better Afghanistan with equal rights, peace and tranquillity. A place where evil is conquered by good and just the right amount of magic is sprinkled in for good measure. So make a day of it and spare the well-deserved time to read her story and I promise you won't be disappointed because "It Is Done Well."

[Carrie Cusenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was unlike any other I’ve read in terms of genre, I loved it! The story telling is beautiful and it makes you see a country you think you know something about in a totally different light—you’ll see there is so much more to it than just war. The story within a story was also amazing, I was constantly struck by what a creative mind the author has and how she wove the stories together so seamlessly. No matter what type of books you normally read, I think this is one that will appeal to all!

[Afton Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

There is a difference between a fighter and the soldier.

what a fantastic mix of fairytale and modern story. I love reading folklore from different corners of this world, it's so important. this book was a great way to absorb a verity of legends with a modern day pull through

it was quick and easy to get into to. I really just wish there was more, I wanted of both of their stories. I would have have loved to see more of the wife, she was so important to Zee development and I wanted to see here with her own folklore.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite reads this year, by far! I was instantly captivated and drawn in by the beautifully written story and descriptive characters. The two well written stories intertwined into one perfectly, it was very easy to follow and the intensity of the plot kept me turning page after page. The author beautifully illustrates Afghanistan and brought new insight into a land and people I did not think twice about before. So we’ll done, absolutely adored this book.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly enjoyable book that is as educational as it is exciting. It cleverly intertwines fantasy and magic with intense human reality. The writing painted fascinating imagery, and while reading, I kept finding myself googling aspects of Afghan culture. Great book! Definitely recommend reading it!

[Megan Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bold, beautiful, and unique. It dives into a culture people make distinct harsh judgements about and shows the raw and vulnerable beauty to be found. It’s magical and wonderful. Weaving two tales together with pain, loss, strength, trust, risk, faith, rebirth…. an endless stream of artfully captured themes in a riveting story.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story reminiscent of 1000 Nights. A female soldier in Afghanistan is captured by a local who wants to sell her to the Taliban. While enduring her captivity she spins a continuing tale that endears her to her captor and his wife. I thought this was wonderful and very well written.

[Virgo_Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very different from what i usually read but i was pleasantly surprised! I love the story within a story. It was nice to see both characters get their happy ending. Grim history aside, Afghanistan does sound like a lively place! Id love to know more of the folklore.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book weaves in beautiful Afghani culture, mystical legends and modern day realities of war in a thoughtful and wonderful experience. Each time I read this book I find I just can’t tear myself away. A great read for a moment to yourself with a cup of green tea and the lights low.

[Maaike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It is a good mix of the ugly side of war torn Afghanistan and the beautiful fairy tale side that the country also has.
There is one big downside on this book: it is way too short! Hopefully upcoming books will be longer :-)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Well written with a great plot. I liked the two stories interweaves into one. I also feel like Eli captures a true picture of Afghanistan. Highly recommend this book!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never actually leave reviews but I had to for this one. Eli did such an amazing job at telling this story I never wanted to put the book down! I would recommend this book a million times again and again! I can't wait to read another of her books!

[Lee Shye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. As a Hugh fairytale and military fiction fan this book was just what I was hoping for when liking to combine the 2 genre. I literally couldn't put I down. Can't wait to read the next one from Eli Gardner.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, cogently presented, and enthralling until the very end.

[Helen Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful quick read that has so much depth and characters that are so real. Couldn't put this book down!

[Lawrence Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I will never find the right words to describe my love for this book. Absolutely beautiful. It's a must read!

[Allie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. It’s so beautifully written!

[Alison Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique read! Loved the story of Aspa and her perseverance! I didn't feel Zee's story and Aspas flowed very well from one into the next, but it was cute. The ending was interesting as well