on real events or what was told to me by people who took part in those events. When I describe thoughts and feelings, the point of departure is what people told me they thought or felt in any given situation. (Seierstad, 2008, p.10)

Seierstad is quite clear at the start of the novel to stipulate her intentions for writing the novel. She wanted a clear and authentic novel from the real Afghan people which many writers do not get the opportunity to write about. Seierstad uses this opportunity to write about the real situation in Afghanistan and it is apparent that Sultan had inspired her to write about a complex family and their lives within Afghanistan. Seierstad after having the novel published would find herself in another tale altogether, as the real Khan family member objected to the novel and attempted to have