Play Book Tag discussion

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini - 3 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: Hosseini was born in Afghanistan, where much of this novel takes place.

This novel is a family saga consisting of interconnected stories. It starts with a fairy tale told to children, and the primary narrative is a take-off on this tale. Each chapter is told by a different character. It covers six decades and is initially set in Afghanistan, with other pieces and parts in Greece, France, and the US.

The premise and writing are decent, but I found it difficult to become engaged in this story. It feels a bit too fragmented. The linkages between the stories are only vaguely defined. I had previously read and enjoyed The Kite Runner, and much preferred it to this one.

There are three narrators for the audio book, and they do what I would call a barely passable job. Their voices are not modulated, and it gets abrasive over time. The physical or e-book would be a better option.

I wasn't a big fan of this one, either. But then, I'm not big on short stories, either.

I think it was supposed to be an integrated whole, but it did not quite make it there for me.

Joy D wrote: "I think it was supposed to be an integrated whole, but it did not quite make it there for me."

Not for me, either.

By the way, if you haven't yet read A Thousand Splendid Suns, that's one you should try! Loved it! I really liked "The Kite Runner", too (4 stars, I think, from me), but Suns was better still (either 4.5 or 5 stars from me).

I'm planning to reread (Suns) for my f2f book club in January.

It's been a while since I read this, but I remember liking it a lot. Whereas A Thousand Splendid Suns was a little blah for me. Of course, I can't remember specifically why right now LOL.

Thanks Joy. This is very useful review! I think I bought this at a used book sale. I haven't read it yet, even though I liked two of his other books. I didn't even know about the structure/history. I often like short story collections (it sometimes helps to space them out between other books). I plan to read it eventually, for the history if for no other reason.

Cindy -
A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of my all time favorite books even though it was challenging at times (esp due to the way women were treated). The history alone is fascinating. I also liked Kite Runner a little less than Suns.

I think I liked "Suns" better than "Kite Runner" because of the focus on women.

LibraryCin wrote: "I think I liked "Suns" better than "Kite Runner" because of the focus on women."

Same here. It made me feel so grateful to be a woman born in a free society. I liked that he switched protagonists. I wouldn't have had nearly as much empathy for the older Mariam(?) if I didn't know her whole story.

I have A Thousand Splendid Suns on my TBR - will probably get to it next year.

I read this one a little over four years ago. It impressed me. I gave it 5 stars. I know I liked the way the short stories were connected to each other. But I remember more about A Thousand Splendid Suns even though I read that one in 2011. I think the format of this book doesn't allow you to become attached to any of the characters.

Jgrace wrote: "I read this one a little over four years ago. It impressed me. I gave it 5 stars. I know I liked the way the short stories were connected to each other. But I remember more about [book:A Thousand S..."

For me, I think it was partially what you mention - the difficulty becoming attached to the characters.

This wasn't my favorite but I still liked it. I rate them in the order they were published.

I want to read Sea Prayer next. Its a short illustrated story.