Nadia Hashimi

Afghan-American author and pediatrician

Nadia Hashimi

Nadia Hashimi is an Afghan-American author and pediatrician known for her novels that explore the complexities of Afghan culture and the immigrant experience. Her works often delve into themes of identity, family, and resilience, drawing from her own heritage and experiences.

Early Life and Education

Nadia Hashimi was born in New York City to Afghan parents who had emigrated from Afghanistan in the early 1970s. She grew up in a household that valued Afghan traditions and culture, which greatly influenced her writing. Hashimi attended Brandeis University, where she earned a degree in Middle Eastern Studies. She later pursued a medical degree at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Career

Medical Career

After completing her medical education, Hashimi worked as a pediatrician. Her medical career has been marked by a commitment to serving diverse communities, and she has often spoken about the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare.

Literary Career

Hashimi's debut novel, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, was published in 2014. The book received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the practice of bacha posh, where young girls in Afghanistan are dressed and treated as boys. This novel set the tone for her subsequent works, which continue to explore Afghan history and the immigrant experience.

Her other notable works include When the Moon Is Low, A House Without Windows, and The Sky at Our Feet. Each of these novels has been praised for its rich storytelling and deep exploration of cultural and personal identity.

Themes and Style

Hashimi's writing is characterized by its focus on strong female protagonists and the challenges they face in patriarchal societies. Her narratives often weave together historical and contemporary issues, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of Afghan culture and the diaspora experience.

Personal Life

Nadia Hashimi resides in Maryland with her husband and children. She continues to balance her careers in medicine and writing, often drawing inspiration from her personal and professional experiences.

Related Pages

• Afghan literature
• Bacha posh
• Afghan diaspora