45 pages • 1 hour read
And the Mountains Echoed
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Afghanistan • 1950s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, a poor Afghan family sells their youngest daughter, Pari, to a wealthy couple in Kabul, setting off a series of life-altering events that reverberate through multiple generations and narrative voices. The novel spans over 50 years and explores themes of separation, longing, and the impact of past decisions on the present. Topics include child abandonment and dementia.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
422,310 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini masterfully intertwines multiple narratives across different time periods and locations. Readers praise its rich character development and emotional depth. However, some critics argue that the numerous plotlines may convolute the story and dilute its impact. Overall, it is a poignant exploration of familial bonds and sacrifice.
Who Should Read And the Mountains Echoed?
A reader who enjoys And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini is often captivated by intricate family sagas and profound human emotions. Fans of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns or those who appreciate Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will likely find this novel equally compelling.
422,310 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pari (Abdullah’s Sister)
Pari (Abdullah’s Sister)
A character who feels an unrecognized absence in her life related to her past in Afghanistan. Her affinity for mathematics represents her search for permanence and understanding.
Pari (Abdullah’s Daughter)
Pari (Abdullah’s Daughter)
Plays a crucial role in reuniting her fragmented family through selfless caregiving, sacrificing her own ambitions to support her ailing parents.
Nila
Nila
A woman who takes on the role of mother to Pari through adoption, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and searching for fulfillment, which eludes her throughout her life.
Nabi
Nabi
Serves as the longtime caregiver to Mr. Wahdati and plays a pivotal role in the family's history, involving the sale of Pari, which links several characters and influences the story's events.
448
Novel • Fiction
Afghanistan • 1950s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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