Review: And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Summary: Khaled Hosseini, the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, has written a new novel about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. 

In this tale revolving around not just parents and children but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. 

Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe—from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos—the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page.

Kim's Review: This is the second of Hosseini's books that I've read, the first being A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I have yet to be disappointed. My favorite thing about this book (and Splendid Suns) is that it's multi-generational - chapters are written from many different POVs over around seven decades. It was interesting to see all the characters come together and how their plots interweaved. It did get confusing, keeping up with all the characters, but I didn't feel like my loss of a little bit of knowledge detracted from my overall understanding of the book.

I also love Hosseini's ability to write amazing, strong women. I really felt for the characters and could sympathize with them as I read about their lives. This is an adult book (I swear I'll get back to reviewing YA soon!), so the content is heavier, but it's not as emotionally taxing as A Thousand Splendid Suns.

All in all, I really loved this book. I feel like everyone should read one of Hosseini's books at some point, because they have made me think and change my outlook on life. I have The Kite Runner sitting on my bookshelf, waiting to be read, but I think I'll take a break and go for a lighter novel first. :)