KHALED HOSSEINI. The name itself can make any book lover go beyond everything and grab a copy of one of his reads (more in the case of a true Hosseini fan like me!) And believe me, putting some extra effort and going out of way to have a Hosseini in your hands never disappoints.
My love affair with Hosseini started in 2011 when I bought my first ever Khaled Hosseini book- The Kite Runner. It was also the first ever novel I bought for myself by saving my pocket money. It'd cost me 120 rupees. An eleven year old didn't have any idea about the author. I bought it because it was cheap and with the leftover money, I was able to buy a stick kulfi. Such was my naivety at that time. But who knew that such penny- pinching would lead me to his other works and eventually make him one of my most favorite writers.
The Kite Runner is that debut novel which makes the wait for the next read by the writer almost impossible for its readers. This story, which revolves around Amir and Hassan, first introduced me to the world of the Afghans which I was never aware of. The Kite Runner is an emotionally gripping story of betrayal and redemption. The story is saddening, yet leaves the reader with a hope that good always overcomes the evil, and justice prevails. The last chapter, even today, is my favorite. It leaves me with a hope that past deeds can be forgiven and forgotten and at the end of the day, the possibility of hope can win.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is another remarkably heart- wrenching story of family and friendship. Set against the volatile events of the Afghan struggle, this story puts violence, fear, hope, faith and trust in the hands of a tale which revolves around two generations of characters- Mariam and Laila. With history playing around them, they struggle to survive and find happiness. The end again leaves the heart fluttering for a ray of hope; that things will get better, dreams will suffice the misery.
And The Mountains Echoed is my favorite Hosseini novel. The main characters of this story, the star-duo of Pari and Abdullah have my heart. The story is an ode to siblinghood- the pure bond of a brother and sister. It talks all about the joys and heartbreaks that come with it, the anguish of seperation, the guilt, the comfort of companionship and the burden of responsibility. And like always, Hosseini tells the story in the most amazing way ever. The writing is wonderful, the characters become etched in your heart and leave you smiling, crying, thinking and dreaming about what would have happened after the last page. There is sadness and sorrow as well, but there is also joy, love and again.. a deep sense of hope.
Sea Prayer, the most recent book by Hosseini. I was lucky enough to get a copy of it just two days after its release. And though it took me only ten minutes to finish the whole book, the impact of those 48 pages is so much that your heart goes out to the refugees. The few little words of Hosseini will leave a forever mark on your heart and only Hosseini can use such few words and tell a whole story. Don't banish the book for its number of pages. It's the voice of the refugees, of people who have no home. Hosseini is the voice of them, the voice of those who can't stand for themselves. It is a book which will shine on your bookshelf forever, and everytime you see it, you will say a little prayer for the refugees. The illustrations by Dan Williams will stay in your heart and mind forever. The earnings from this book will go to the UN Refugee Agency. Go on, read it, own it, do your bit.
Khaled Hosseini is that one writer who with only 4 books has broken and joined my heart over and over again. He is the master of weaving stories. His verses are a concoction of emotions, and I always find myself drowned in them. Join in?..
My love affair with Hosseini started in 2011 when I bought my first ever Khaled Hosseini book- The Kite Runner. It was also the first ever novel I bought for myself by saving my pocket money. It'd cost me 120 rupees. An eleven year old didn't have any idea about the author. I bought it because it was cheap and with the leftover money, I was able to buy a stick kulfi. Such was my naivety at that time. But who knew that such penny- pinching would lead me to his other works and eventually make him one of my most favorite writers.
The Kite Runner is that debut novel which makes the wait for the next read by the writer almost impossible for its readers. This story, which revolves around Amir and Hassan, first introduced me to the world of the Afghans which I was never aware of. The Kite Runner is an emotionally gripping story of betrayal and redemption. The story is saddening, yet leaves the reader with a hope that good always overcomes the evil, and justice prevails. The last chapter, even today, is my favorite. It leaves me with a hope that past deeds can be forgiven and forgotten and at the end of the day, the possibility of hope can win.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is another remarkably heart- wrenching story of family and friendship. Set against the volatile events of the Afghan struggle, this story puts violence, fear, hope, faith and trust in the hands of a tale which revolves around two generations of characters- Mariam and Laila. With history playing around them, they struggle to survive and find happiness. The end again leaves the heart fluttering for a ray of hope; that things will get better, dreams will suffice the misery.
And The Mountains Echoed is my favorite Hosseini novel. The main characters of this story, the star-duo of Pari and Abdullah have my heart. The story is an ode to siblinghood- the pure bond of a brother and sister. It talks all about the joys and heartbreaks that come with it, the anguish of seperation, the guilt, the comfort of companionship and the burden of responsibility. And like always, Hosseini tells the story in the most amazing way ever. The writing is wonderful, the characters become etched in your heart and leave you smiling, crying, thinking and dreaming about what would have happened after the last page. There is sadness and sorrow as well, but there is also joy, love and again.. a deep sense of hope.
Sea Prayer, the most recent book by Hosseini. I was lucky enough to get a copy of it just two days after its release. And though it took me only ten minutes to finish the whole book, the impact of those 48 pages is so much that your heart goes out to the refugees. The few little words of Hosseini will leave a forever mark on your heart and only Hosseini can use such few words and tell a whole story. Don't banish the book for its number of pages. It's the voice of the refugees, of people who have no home. Hosseini is the voice of them, the voice of those who can't stand for themselves. It is a book which will shine on your bookshelf forever, and everytime you see it, you will say a little prayer for the refugees. The illustrations by Dan Williams will stay in your heart and mind forever. The earnings from this book will go to the UN Refugee Agency. Go on, read it, own it, do your bit.
Khaled Hosseini is that one writer who with only 4 books has broken and joined my heart over and over again. He is the master of weaving stories. His verses are a concoction of emotions, and I always find myself drowned in them. Join in?..
