claudiabartoli

I finished this book a few weeks ago and think it's one of the best things I've ever read. I know it's a cliche to say "I couldn't put it down" but this is one of those rare cases when it absolutely applies. I think I read this in four nights time. It came highly recommended but at first I was reluctant, because I wrongly assumed it was too political, all about war. It's not at all. It's a coming of age story, I guess I'd say, that occurs before and during wartime...Interesting insights into life in Afghanistan, then and now...and then follows the characters through to adulthood. But it's definitely about people first and foremost, it's a character-driven story. I love the author's style of writing. He has an almost poetic command of language. It's not pompous but not too simple and literal either. I felt every emotion his characters felt during the course of my read. There are many sad moments, and many suspenseful, "action-packed" moments, hahaha. Wouldn't want to give an ounce of the drama away, it must be read to be believed! So far this is his only novel but I'll be watching for a second one...

2022-12-09 15:06