And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

On Thursday, November 13^th, the Fixed on Fiction book group met to discuss And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Below is a summary of the novel courtesy of Goodreads-

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.

And the Mountains Echoed received mixed reviews from our group but ultimately came out as well received with five thumbs-up votes, three so-so votes, and one thumbs down. Below are some of the initial comments made about the book:

• This was so-so for me. It was good but not as great as Hosseini’s other two books
• So-so. I liked some of the stories but not others
• When I compare this book to The Kite Runner, I realize that his books are all about relationships. I feel like Mountains discusses relationships in more depth because it spanned more time.
• I thought this was great- Hosseini’s best work yet! He’s finally hitting his groove by making three dimensional characters with more faceted personalities. Definitely a thumbs up, I was emotionally battered by the end.
• I liked that you began each story without knowing how the characters were connected to one another.
• This didn’t grip me at all. I felt like Hosseini was reaching a bit and I think he might be one of those authors who are hyped beyond their ability.
• I liked it! I was too sensitive for The Kite Runner and I loved A Thousand Splendid Suns.  I loved the ending of Mountains.
• I loved this book, it was like looking at reality from all different directions.
• Double thumbs up! Loved this book the most out of all the books we have read as a group. I enjoyed the format and multiple points of view.

Additionally our group discussed some of the major themes found within the text, including: sibling relationships, various forms of wealth, sacrifice, selfishness, identity, and betrayal.

These are just a few highlights of our discussion. Please feel free to add additional thoughts on Mountains in the comment section below.