Around the World in Books discussion

Our read for January will start with a book about Afghanistan written by an Algerian army officer,Yasimina Khadra (pseudonym for Mohammed Moulessehoul)- The Swallows of Kabul. Please use this thread for discussions about the book.

I think the first real shocking point in the novel for me occurs when Mohsen participates in stoning the accused women (pg 14 in my book). It seems so out of character for him, especially when he experiences joy in it. Is he swept up by the crowd, is it just a natural instinct to participate even though he is initially revulsed, or is it a way for him to express his deep frustrations at the expense of someone else? I think the latter - he has so much pent up frustration and anger at the Taliban that he lashes out in this way. Would I lash out like this? More fundementally could I live under Taliban rule?

I agree after I read the book and now am thinking I would like to read the Bookseller of Kabul or Lipstick in Afghanistan now to get a true non-fiction look inside. Although written by Westerners,they are at least first hand accounts. Too bad I have so many books on my to read list!

I appreciate Mar's comment as well. I've added a number of non-fiction books about Afghanistan to my list of 'to read' for that reason and did some reading on the internet about human rights violations in Afghanistan. If you haven't checked them out yet its worth reading Doctors Without Borders report on their work in Afghanistan and Amnesty International's information. I will add 'Lipstick in Afghanistan' as well.

One last comment on further reads about Afghanistan before the month ends. I just read a pre-release review of "Letters to My Daughters: A Memoir" by Fawzia Koofi, an Afghani female, elected Member of Parliament now living in Kabul who grew up in rural Afghanistan.She recounts her life as a girl and woman in Afghanistan. Unfortunately its not in the Good Reads database yet so I couldn't mark it as 'to read' but will watch for it to be released. Reviewed in the Globe and Mail, National Edition, January 22.

Interesting article.