Eye Books lands 'inspirational' memoir from 'pioneering' scientist Jafari

Eye Books has landed Shakar: An Afghan Woman’s Journey, the memoir from "pioneering" cancer scientist Shakardokht Jafari. 

Publisher Dan Hiscocks acquired world rights directly from the author. The book will be published in July 2023. 

Jafari became a refugee at aged six, after a six-month trek from Afghanistan to Iran. Resisting three arranged marriages, Jafari attended Tehran University studying radiation technologies. After continuing her studies in the UK, Jafari became one of Britain’s leading medical entrepreneurs after inventing a method for improving outcomes of radiotherapy on cancer patients, while battling cancer when pregnant with her third child. 

Hiscocks said: "I set up Eye Books 26 years ago to tell the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. While Shakardokht Jafari is nobody’s idea of ordinary, I’m delighted that we’re continuing in our tradition by bringing true-life tales of amazing achievements to a wider audience. Shakar is a truly inspirational person and I hope her story will resonate at a time of growing international concern for the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan." 

Jafari commented: "So many people have told me they would like to read the story of my life. I started to write it in Farsi before Eye Books got to hear about it, took it on, and have turned it into a great read that I am very proud of."