Book Review: And the Mountains Echoed

During the summer I read And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini with a friend, and we met every week or so to discuss it! It was like our own little book club, and it was very fun! I liked this book a lot, so I thought I would do a formal review for you guys!

Goodreads synopsis: “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.”

My review: I really enjoyed this book. At times, there were some risqué happenings, but overall Hosseini is an INCREDIBLE writer. Just when you become comfortable with a scene, he totally changes it and keeps you on your toes. There are lots of stories within stories, which at first, can be confusing, but then, they become even more interesting! I learned a lot about Afghani culture too. Another thing that each chapter focused on one small part of the whole connection of people and story, and then the next chapter would be several years ahead, in a different part of the world! Once you read the final chapters, everything comes full-circle and it is so cool to put together all the connections! He definitely makes you think, and pushes the boundaries of your thinking! At some point, I’d love to read Hosseini’s other two books, because this one was great. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. You should definitely put this book on your reading list!

Favorite Quotes:
“They say, Find a purpose in your life and live it. But, sometimes, it is only after you have lived that you recognize your life had a purpose, and likely one you never had in mind.”

“It’s a funny thing… but people mostly have it backward. They think they live by what they want. But really, what guides them is what they’re afraid of. What they don’t want.”  

“But it is important to know this, to know your roots. To know where you started as a person. If not, your own life seems unreal to you. Like a puzzle. Vous comprenez? Like you have missed the beginning of a story and now you are in the middle of it, trying to understand.”  

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts?  Or have you read any of Hosseini’s other books? I’d love to hear your thoughts!


Allie Elliott
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