Book Review #63 : "And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini

 

Hosseini has something in his mind, that everytime he creates magic with his words. “And the Mountains Echoed” is a splendid collaboration of stories, which shows that every story is made of little efforts and human emotions. This book has been on my shelf for the last 4 years, not because I didn’t want to read it, but because I wanted to read with my proper devotion ( coz I worship Hossein’s work!) And here I am, holding on to the post-read era of crying and overthinking. 

If you are suffering from intellectual-thought-processing-syndrome, where you don’t know where to stop traveling in your dreamy sentiments, then this book is for you. It has all the flavors of love, sacrifice, sibling’s attachment, guilt, devotion, back stories of so many little moments, harassments, childhood traumas, childhood nurturement and so much more. 

At the heart of the novel is the bond between Abdullah and Pari, siblings torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Their story is a poignant portrayal of the sacrifices we make for those we love and the profound impact that loss can have on our lives. From the moment Abdullah becomes Pari's guardian, their bond is palpable, and Hosseini expertly captures the depth of their connection, making it resonate with readers on a personal level. Throughout the novel, Hosseini introduces a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and desires. From the wealthy Nila Wahdati, who hides her pain behind a facade of opulence, to the impoverished laborer, Nabi, whose unwavering devotion to his employer belies a tragic past, every character is imbued with a complexity that reflects the multifaceted nature of the human experience.

One of the most compelling aspects of "And the Mountains Echoed" is its exploration of the universal themes of longing and belonging. Whether it's Markos, the Greek doctor haunted by his memories of war-torn Afghanistan, or Idris and Timur, two brothers grappling with the consequences of their choices, each character's journey resonates with the reader, reminding us of our own search for identity and purpose.

But perhaps what makes "And the Mountains Echoed" truly unforgettable is its exploration of the human capacity for love and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships they endure, Abdullah and Pari's love for each other, served a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. I have so many instances where I stopped reading and started exploring my life, it’s kind of somehow created the space of retrospection.

I LOVED IT. That’s all I can say. Worth reading Hosseini's parallel world, everytime.