Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3 out of 5
Pages: 404
Date Started: 10 March 2024
Date Finished: 5 April 2024
"And the Mountains Echoed" takes readers on a poignant journey through Afghanistan in 1952, following the lives of Abdullah and his sister Pari in the village of Shadbagh. Through their struggles with poverty and harsh winters, their bond remains unbreakable, with Abdullah's deep love for Pari shining through every sacrifice he makes for her, even trading his only pair of shoes for a feather to add to her collection. Hosseini paints a vivid picture of their closeness, with touching scenes of them sleeping together, their heads touching, and their limbs tangled.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the siblings journey to Kabul with their father, unaware of the fate awaiting them. This event serves as a catalyst that tears their lives apart, illustrating the harsh realities of sacrifice and the unexpected consequences of our choices. As the narrative unfolds, Hosseini weaves together multiple lives and stories, from Kabul to Paris, San Francisco, and the Greek island of Tinos, showcasing the interconnectedness of humanity across generations and continents.
Central to the narrative are themes of love, sacrifice, and how our choices resonate through history. The pure love between Abdullah and Pari is contrasted with the forbidden relationship between Nabi and Wahdati, adding layers of complexity to the tale. Hosseini skillfully explores how people from diverse backgrounds and origins can impact each other's lives profoundly, despite their differences.
While the book begins with promise and creates an emotionally charged atmosphere, it eventually takes an unexpected turn that may leave some readers disappointed. As a fan of Hosseini's earlier works, I had high expectations for "And the Mountains Echoed" but found the narrative direction less satisfying than anticipated. However, the depth of insight, compassion, and wisdom in Hosseini's writing is undeniable, making this novel a thought-provoking exploration of the bonds that define us.
Favorite lines from the book:
- Out beyond the ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field, I'll meet you there. - Rumi
- They say, Find purpose in your life and live it. But, sometimes, it is only after you have lived that you recognize your life had a purpose and likely one you never had in mind.
- The music was not Afghan but something Nila called Jazz, a kind of music that, I learned decades later as well, Mr Markos. To my ears, the random tinkling of the piano and the strange wailing of horns sounded inharmonious mess.
- Because even your graffiti artists spray Rumi on the walls.
