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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
realistic and true, August 13, 2005
Having lived in Afghanistan from 1968 to 1974, I found this book to be a realistic shadow-dance of everything I left behind when I returned to the United States. The descriptions of the geography, the seasons; the cultural sterotypes and love that could or could not transcend such... it was "truth." The time lines and events were impeccable, the events described in it are true to many stories I have heard, personally, from Afghans and ex-Pats who remain(ed) in Kabul through Daoud's reign and into the Communist take-over.
Mr. Hosseini writes from a more Western view, but I would know, even without the introduction or recommendations from the American Community that lived in Kabul, that he is an Afghan. This book has a slight Sufic approach, which may be too "dry" for some readers. I found his characters to be exceptionally well-rounded, though I am embarassed that it took a second reading to fully understand Mr. Taheri.
It may take Will to allow a reader to put their feet on "both sides of the fence." I found that Mr. Hosseini, and thus his characterization of Amir, was impeccable in describing the "old school" Afghan culture, and the clashes that would inevitably occur when Central Asia meets the United States. Also, his portrayal of Hassan is heartbreaking in its honesty and realism, as the Hazara people were gentle and honest. This is something I have personally experienced, in that country. This book has had a profound impact on me, reminding me of lessons I was too young to understand at the time.
That Mr. Hosseini remains true in his tone, in his quest to understand how he is both different and the same through every phase of his journey, is remarkable. The ending is beautiful, so Afghan, and as delicate as the ice-swirls that would develop over melted snow-puddles, in winter, on the street on which I lived in Karte Seh.
Read this book to understand what is often lost in cultural exchange.
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23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding clarity and deceptively understated, July 13, 2005
I was very surprised to find that I appear to be the first reader to review this book at Amazon, as this novel is a run-away best seller in Israel where I live. As a first novel it is impressive throughout and a worthy often very moving and informative read. The first two thirds of this story which covers the protagonist childhood in Afghanistan, followed by his family's escape to the US is written with outstanding clarity, deceptively understated and is entirely believable.
This book was not an immediate choice for me to read as I thought the subject matter was heavy and unappealing for recreational reading. But I take my hat off to the writer who effortlessly and immediately puts the reader right up front, caring and identifying as he/she is painlessly transported to 1970s Afghanistan prior to the Russian invasion to experience of its sounds, smells, tastes and scenery.
The following third of this novel, at least to this reader, seemed somewhat forced, with the writer's hand being too obvious; a little too inventive by comparison to what had gone before; written for effect as against the often brutal but believable reality that had previously been described. Never-the-less this story as a whole is a very enjoyable read with something powerful, original and important to say to a Western audience that is most relevant to the times we are living through. I look forward to the Khaled Hosseini's next book.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I could not put it down - Great story, January 14, 2006
Because of the topic, I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. Boy, was I surprised! I literally could not put this book down because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.
I think this book was very well written and it is a great story. There were parts that made me laugh and there were parts that made me cry.
This book has made me more sensitive to other cultures and more interested to know what goes on around the world (and world history).
I recommend this book to everyone, no matter where you come from.
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