THE BOOK FAIR
READ AND FULFILL YOUR LIFE
Khaled Hosseine
KITE
RUNNER
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Published: 2003
Genre: Cultural, Novel
Paperback
Pages: 372
Review:
The “Kite Runner,” beautifully written, details the relationship between two families in Afghanistan. Incorporating politics and social norms, Hosseiini presents the bond between Amir, a Pashtun, the son of a wealthy man, raised the privileged class, and Hassan, the son of the family’s servant, Ali, a Hazara. In odd ways, the boys are raised as brothers. These two families share their lives both bound and divided by social mores. Kite flying, a national activity, unites the two boys in sports whereas their differences in character, divide them.
After having left Afghanistan years before with his father, Amir, who since married and built a life in California, is pursued by an old friend and challenged to return to Afghanistan to make right, a terrible wrong.
Eloquent writing, developed personalities of characters, picturesque scenery, and distinct descriptions of events bound together in a well designed, complex plot, set the novel in a class of its own.
A THOUSAND
SPLENDID SUNS
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Published: 2007
Genre: Fiction; Cultural
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 415
Review:
Khaled Hosseini ‘s second novel, “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, centers on the treatment of women, and the cruel, destructive reign of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The story details the lives of two women, from different backgrounds, who draw an unfortunate fate and become the wives of a brutal, demanding man.
Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of Jalil, lives with her destitute mother while coveting the lives of her siblings who live with her wealthy father. Mariam decides to visit her father believing he loves her.
Laila, the daughter of educated, enlightened parents, makes plans for her future. After a series of terrorist bombings, Laila suddenly falls victim to a life she does not choose and over which she has no control.
An incredible story of Afghanistan, beautifully written with detailed descriptions and realistic characters. Hosseini dedicated the book to the women in his life and to the women of Afghanistan.
AND THE
MOUNTAINS
ECHOED
Author: Khaled Hosseine
Published: 2013
Genre: Fiction; Cultural
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 421
Review:
Khaled Hosseini’s third novel of Afghanistan, a tragic tale of love and loss, unfolds slowly, in separate but relating stories chronicling the consequences of a father’s actions and the lives of the family members over three generations.
The story begins with tales of divs and jinns, which quickly evolves to reveal the harsh reality of life for the impoverished, uneducated, simple folk in the villages of Afghanistan as opposed to the wealthy, privileged class of Afghans. The novel centers on Abdullah and his beloved sister, Pari, and expands to include stories of the Russian invasion and Mujahedeen fighters, to hospital rescue workers who bring relief to the abused and damaged, to the events of 9/11 and the Taliban,, and to the power and rule of viscous drug lords.
Although written in different style from Hosseini’s previous novels, “, The Kite Runner”, and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, “And The Mountains Echoed” maintains an interesting plot and personable, well defined characters.