About the Author

Bestselling author and speaker, Abbas Nazari, fled the Taliban in Afghanistan as a child, and was resettled in New Zealand after his family were rescued by the Tampa container ship in 2001. In 2019, Abbas was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to the United States, where he graduated with a Masters in Security Studies from Georgetown University, Washington DC. His memoir, After the Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand (Allen & Unwin, 2021), is a #1 bestseller. Abbas is a sought-after speaker and media commentator, a prominent advocate for refugees, and has recently been named a semi-finalist for the 2022 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year.

Reviews

'Nazari's capacity to view some of the most urgent issues facing the world from this dual perspective, outside and inside, is his memoir's key strength. It pays testament to the power of Rumi's place "beyond ideas" in which we may meet, and listen, as someone tells their story.' Renata Hopkins, Kete

'After the Tampa tells the heart-breaking, life affirming, heroic, remarkable story of fleeing the Taliban. A stunning book, beautifully, gently written, unflinching but also full of compassion and hope. This is a beautiful book.' John Campbell, Breakfast 1

'How Abbas and his family survive, and eventually thrive will leave you gob smacked, inspired, ashamed at the racism, warmed by the kindness. He relates his story with good humour, gratitude and the hopefulness that characterises his writing. Reading it is a humbling experience, a timely reminder to maintain perspective when things seem hard.' Louise Ward, Wardini Books