The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker Jamil Jan Kochai Reads “On the Night of the Khatam”
Feb 19, 2024
Jamil Jan Kochai, author of '99 Nights in Logar', reads 'On the Night of the Khatam'. The story delves into couples navigating an unusual khatam scenario, interactions at Haji Hautak's gathering, a night of prayer with distractions, political intrigue, disconnection in relationships, and loneliness. A mix of humor, tension, and reflections unfold in this engaging narrative.
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Gathering of Afghan Expatriates
- Jamil Jan Kochai recounts a gathering where Afghan expatriates meet at Haji Hautak's house in West Sacramento, bonded by shared pasts and war injuries.
- Their interactions mix nostalgia, political talk, personal history, and cultural rituals, showing deep community ties despite struggles.
Fahim's Sobriety Reunion
- Injanar Fahim returns sober and radiant after years of decline, rekindling friendships at the gathering.
- Despite past resentments, his resurrection momentarily unites everyone in awe and celebration.
Identity's Haunting in Exile
- Identity in exile is fraught, exemplified by Haji Khushal's stolen identity haunting his final days.
- This reflects the profound psychological torment of displacement and the inescapable past.