And The Mountains Echoed - Khaled Hosseini

[naomi24]

From the author of ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. As to be expected, beautifully written but I’m not finding it easy to follow. With a succession of separate stories about an assortment of people who are in some way connected it’s all rather disjointed. Nevertheless, as with his previous works, I’m hooked, and I’m sure it will all come together in the end.

Has anyone else read it, and if so, what do you think?

[chiaroscuro]

Will do :)

[vetuste_ennemi]

Who (apart from AG) have read Midnight's Children? What did you think?

[viv41]

If he writes another book naomi, I will still buy it as I want to give him another chance, but feel he'll never better Splendid Suns - what a book !

[naomi24]

No, I haven't. I know it's a prize-winner, but that isn't always an indication that I'll enjoy a book. Would you recommend it?

[naomi24]

^That was to VE.

viv, me too. I haven't abandoned this book so it is holding my interest - even though I have no idea who he's talking about much of the time! That has to say something for his ability.

[viv41]

It does naomi, and that's why I persevered with it even though I skipped some of it, he still has the power to keep you reading ..

[naomi24]

He does indeed. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' was 'unputdownable'. (I made that word up). :o)

[viv41]

Good word !

[vetuste_ennemi]

I asked the question because I haven't read Midnight's Children, Naomi. I think I ought to, but don't want to waste my time on another crock of *** like The Satanic Verses.

[naomi24]

^That's my feeling exactly.

ag, where are you?

[agchristie]

v_e > I asked the question because I haven't read Midnight's Children, Naomi. I think I ought to, but don't want to waste my time on another crock of *** like The Satanic Verses

I read Midnight's Children in the mid nineties and was not disappointed with it though my memory of it now is sketchy.

I was told to avoid Satanic Verses as it was meant to be a very difficult read but MC is not difficult.

You may know that in '93 it was proclaimed the 'Booker of Bookers' in the first 25 years of the award so it is highly regarded.

You will read plenty far worse than this. If you go for it do let me know your thoughts!

[EcclesCake]

I have yet to read this latest offering and am surprised to find that for some inexplicable reason there are two copies in the house!!!

I enjoyed both of his earlier books, The Kite Runner for sentimental reasons and a Thousand Splendid Suns for the writing and atmosphere created.

I'll approach this latest book with some caution and trepidation.

[naomi24]

Thanks ag. I've just asked my husband if he's read it. He has and says it was worth reading. One for the list.

[agchristie]

Naomi, your husband is correct, definitely worth the read.

[ethandron]

Naomi, I've not read the book you mention but 1000 splendid suns stayed with me for ages after reading it, it was a book club read for a cousin of mine which I occasionally contribute to online.
After reading what you and others have said about The Mountains I'm not sure I'll bother with it.

[naomi24]

ethandron, 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' has stayed with me too. Unforgettable.

[ethandron]

As women in this country, we're so used to having our freedom, and very nearly equality, that it upset and provoked so many thoughts in me I just couldn't get away from.

[naomi24]

ethandron, How the other half live.

I've read two more books in recent years that had a similar lingering impact on me - both originally written for the teenage reader I believe - but nevertheless, I felt, worth reading. ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, by John Boyne, and ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak.

ag/ve, I've downloaded a sample of 'Midnight's Children' to my Kindle.

[jourdain2]

Just got on to this. I found bits of it completely beautiful, but (like you) puzzling. I really must get down to reading the whole lot - but first I have to find how to get to Windows 10 address book and enter names:(

[naomi24]

jourdain2, everything he does is beautifully written. I'm ploughing on with this hoping all will become clear in the end.