Khaled Husseini: And the Mountains Echoed (December 2018)

Mesmerizing is probably a clear definition as how our Group described this book.

The story begins in 1952 Afghanistan introducing the family of Saboor, the father; Abdullah, his son; and Pari, his daughter. These characters become the threads of a fascinating and captivating saga which covers generations and continents, moving across from Kabul to Paris, then to San Francisco and the Greek Island of Tinos.

It is a tale of family bonds, sibling connections, heartbreak and joy. It is also a tale of choices, consequences and effects, guilt and love.

There is not just one story but narrations from nine different characters, whom, although individual, nevertheless have a common thread. These characters are skilfully depicted and their lives are cleverly portrayed,  producing richly emotive and personal experiences, following not only diverse but also similar paths of love, sadness and life changing decisions, with which the reader can identify.

The author is a master story teller and has produced a heartwarming novel. Our Group acknowledged that it was a book that needed time to embrace all the various characters but once accepted  and understood, agreed it was an impressive read; and as a result we awarded it the top marks and would recommend it to those people who may not have discovered this author previously.

Margaret Cunningham

31st December 2018.