Helpful Score: 7
The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns are two of my favorite books, so I was a bit hesitant to read And the Mountains Echoed; I was worried it wouldn't live up to the other two. But I enjoyed this book just as much as the others. Like Hosseini's other books, And the Mountains Echoed transports the reader flawlessly into the lives of the characters. I was immediately taken by the story and couldn't put it down. If you loved Hosseini's other books, I think you'll love this one too.
Helpful Score: 6
This book took my breath away as did A Thousand Splendid Sun's. It amaze's me how this author can introduce all of these characters and weave them together like a basket and actually pull it off. The most amazing thing to me about this book is how Dr. Hosseini ended this book and began this book...awesome literature here!! My only gripe is that I felt sometimes like I was reading a book of "long" short stories and felt there were a few pages that were not necessary...all of the characters yes..but the details..no.
I used more than 5 hankies here, but there were only 2 bouts of tears...near the end, when I realized how it would end (realizing how similar it was to the beginning) and at the last paragraph....but it was a river and so very powerful.
Awesome writing here Dr. Hosseini...please lets get started with another one, I want to read at least one more book written by you in my lifetime. In the meantime I will re-read the awesome 3 you have written.
I used more than 5 hankies here, but there were only 2 bouts of tears...near the end, when I realized how it would end (realizing how similar it was to the beginning) and at the last paragraph....but it was a river and so very powerful.
Awesome writing here Dr. Hosseini...please lets get started with another one, I want to read at least one more book written by you in my lifetime. In the meantime I will re-read the awesome 3 you have written.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved the story of Saboor and his children, 11 year old Abdullah and 4 year old Pari. I was intrigued as they walked for days to reach Kabul, Saboor pulling Pari in a wagon when the little girl tired. The deep love between the brother and sister was touching and the heartbreak that befell them brought tears to my eyes. However, I was annoyed as Hosseini introduced different characters I felt was unnecessary instead of focusing on this one family. The story spanned a few generations and was quite confusing as it jumped from past to present. I wish he just stuck to the story of Abdullah, Pari, what happens to them and their families!
I was disappointed with this book, but the ending brought tears and a lump in my throat. It is certainly worth reading.
I was disappointed with this book, but the ending brought tears and a lump in my throat. It is certainly worth reading.
Helpful Score: 3
There is really no central character in this book as Hosseini interweaves the history of several characters in this story. Every character is flawed but not necessarily unsympathetic which adds some authenticity to the story. Told from different points of view, the novel travels from decade to decade, skipping from both time and place. It was an ok story but I thought it bogged down in several spots and contained far too much navel-gazing. This book as not near as good as his first two. I really wanted to like it more than I did.
Helpful Score: 3
I think the reviews on this page sum up the story well, so I will try to add a different insight. Hosseini's writing continues to get better. Very few authors have one book that sells on the level of the Kite Runner, but I believe his next two surpass his first. I like his characterization, each character is separate and believable. As a mom to many, I especially appreciated the relationship of the big brother to his little sister. I also like the obvious love that the author has for his home country. He shows it in all of its war torn poverty with a very caring voice.
