Lyse Doucet, BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, has published her new book “The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan”.
The book tells the story of Kabul’s Inter-Continental Hotel from 1969 to present, which symbolized Afghanistan’s dream of becoming a modern, connected country.
Najma Finlay praised the book on X, writing: “Haunting, hopeful and occasionally harrowing, The Finest Hotel in Kabul is much more than history.
It’s a love letter to Afghanistan”. Kim Ghattas also celebrated the work, calling it “the book about an Afghanistan I never knew that I always wanted to read.”
Doucet has been staying at the hotel since 1988, documenting the experiences of Afghan staff throughout five decades of war and political upheaval.
The book captures stories of hotel employees who survived Soviet occupation, civil war, US invasion, and the Taliban’s rise and return.
Published on September 18, 2025, it offers an intimate portrait of Afghan resilience.
