Meet the Author - My Name Is Samim

Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer. My Name Is Samim is her first novel. Fidan lives with her husband and children in West Lothian, Scotland.

What inspired you to write My Name Is Samim?

I was inspired by the true story of an Afghan refugee boy who, along with his brother, faced a dangerous journey across many countries in search of safety. His story made me realise that many people, including my own children, don’t understand what refugees go through. I wanted to tell Samim’s story in a way all kids could connect with and to show both Samim’s struggles and his strength, so readers could learn about resilience and hope through his journey.

How did you research this book?

I spent a lot of time learning about Afghanistan, what life is like under Taliban rule, and the challenges refugees face when they try to find safety in other countries. Aryan Musleh, a photojournalist from Kabul in Afghanistan, shared his knowledge with me about his homeland and helped me understand what Afghan refugees experience, so I could tell Samim’s story in a way that feels true to life. Although this book is inspired by real events, My Name Is Samim is a work of fiction.

What did you remember most from your research?

One of the things that struck me was the bravery of unaccompanied child refugees. They face dangers and hardships that would overwhelm most adults, yet they find ways to push through, holding on to hope even when it feels like the hardest thing in the world.

Who’s your favourite character in the book and why?

Probably Zayn. He’s the kind of friend everyone wishes they had: kind, brave, caring, funny and just plain cool.

Do you have a favourite moment in Samim’s journey?

Many are close to my heart but one that really stands out is when Samim learns to ride a bike. After everything he’s been through, this small moment of happiness feels so special. It always makes me tear up because it shows how even the smallest joys can give us strength during difficult times.

What do you hope readers can learn from this story?

When I finished writing the book, my eight-year-old challenged me with a question her teacher had posed: “What one thing does your book teach, Mummy?” After a moment, I realised the answer was simple: “Kindness.”