Essan’s early childhood chronicles the life of a much loved and cherished son who grows up in the heart of a traditional family. He lives and thrives within a settled and well functioning family and community in a beautiful suburb of Kabul.

He grows strong and resilient. He quickly learns to follow his father’s lead as a protector and representative of his family. He also learns to discern the political nuances of living within a nation colonised and controlled by a foreign power.

This ‘normal life’ is often disrupted by unrest and from very early in his life. Essan’s family and community face the very real dangers associated with the destruction and mayhem caused by civil war.

When the Russians leave Afghanistan, Essan’s family life is disrupted by the slow destruction and disintegration of his country.

The Mujahidin continually make life in the suburbs unsafe. His family first leaves the suburbs for the centre of Kabul and then flees to Pakistan.

Essan returns to Afghanistan during the reign of the Taliban and is shocked by their depravity.

In Pakistan he thrives and works hard to ensure he becomes well educated and well prepared to work alongside other young refugees to develop the skills needed to help rebuild his beloved homeland.

He and other young men return to Afghanistan and begin to contribute towards rebuilding their country.

His passion and work for change in Afghanistan is thwarted and Essan finds it impossible to continue so he begins a life in Australia as an asylum seeker.