The Bookseller of Kabul - Controversy

Controversy

Following global critical acclaim, many of the book's descriptions have been contested by Rais, who has taken the author to court in Norway for what he says is a defamation and assault on his character, family and country. Seierstad for her part insists on the integrity of her account and asserts that Rais has no grounds for a successful challenge. Throughout the book Rais is depicted as a fairly nonpartisan intellectual who has suffered greatly under different regimes and worked hard all his life, but no different from many Afghans in his horrendous and selfish treatment of women. Rais has claimed to defend women's rights, pointing out his opposition to extremism and his assistance to the author and many other journalists over the years. As Rais is such a well-known figure in Kabul, the author's attempt to anonymize the family by changing their names has been unsuccessful.

On July 24, 2010 Seierstad was found guilty of defamation and “negligent journalistic practices and ordered to pay damages to Suraia Rais, wife of Shah Muhammad Rais”, the Irish Times reported. However, the Guardian reported that the finding was invasion of privacy. An appeal is underway. Seierstad won on appeal and the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, which means the appeal court ruling stands. See http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/03/12/author-wins-over-afghan-subject/