I didn’t have any specific message in mind when I was writing “Under the Persimmon Tree.” Messages arise out of all – or nearly all – stories, but the most important thing is that the story must be true. I don’t necessarily mean a story must be based on something that actually happened. But the story has to be believable and specific in order to make readers experience the setting and characters in a way that touches them.
But I do hope this story accomplishes something. When I began to hear stories of Afghan civilians killed in American bombing raids in 2001 and 2002, I realized that it was important that we should be able to connect these people with their stories. I hated hearing of innocent Afghans and Iraqis who lost their lives referred to as "collateral damage.” I hope the many stories that have begun to emerge will make it more difficult for us to use that terrible term, which dehumanizes us as thoroughly as it does the people to whom we apply it.