Summary
Author: Khaled Hosseini (b. 1965)
Publisher: Riverhead Books (New York). 416 pp.
Type of work: Novel
Time: 1949–2010
Locale: Shadbagh and Kabul, Afghanistan; Paris, France; Hayward, California
And the Mountains Echoed is a poignant tale centered around an Afghan father whose difficult choice leaves a lasting impact on his family for generations. The complex characters woven into this narrative defy simple moral classifications, challenging readers to ponder ethical dilemmas that resonate through the years. At the story's core is the question of how actions, driven by desperation, ripple across time and affect future generations.
A Desperate Decision
In 1952, as winter looms, Saboor, an impoverished peasant in Afghanistan, is haunted by the fear of starvation for his family. Despite the generous offer from his brother-in-law, Nabi, who works as a cook and driver in Kabul, Saboor refuses charity. Instead, he makes the heart-wrenching decision to give his three-year-old daughter, Pari, to the wealthy and childless Wahdatis. This decision, made out of sheer desperation, allows Saboor to provide for his remaining children. As Pari grows up in luxury, her departure sets the stage for a sweeping saga of interconnected lives and moral ambiguity.
Saga of Relationships
Khaled Hosseini's ability to explore intricate family dynamics shines in this novel, continuing the exploration of complex relationships that began in his earlier works. The Kite Runner (2003) offered a profound insight into father-son bonds against the backdrop of an Afghan family's migration to America, while A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) delved into the lives of two women tied to the same man. With And the Mountains Echoed, Hosseini shifts his focus to siblings, weaving a tapestry of lives that intersect across generations and cultures. The novel's expansive scope and rich, multifaceted characters invite readers to grapple with its challenging themes, ultimately rewarding them with a deep and fulfilling narrative experience.
The Story Within a Story
The novel opens with Saboor telling a bedtime story to his children, Pari and Abdullah, underscoring the profound themes of choice and sacrifice. His tale of "divs and jinns"—demons and genies—mirrors his own dilemma. In this story, a div demands a child as a sacrificial offering to spare a family from ruin. Baba Ayub, a father burdened with this terrible choice, relinquishes his son Qais, who ultimately thrives in the div's realm. Years later, Baba Ayub chooses to leave his son in his newfound life of comfort and abundance rather than reclaim him for a life of hardship. This tale becomes a metaphorical backdrop for Saboor's own choice regarding Pari.
Exploring Moral Complexity
The overarching question of whether an immoral act is justified if it leads to greater good permeates the novel. Saboor’s surrender of Pari to the Wahdatis exemplifies the difficult decisions made within the constraints of cultural and societal expectations. This act critiques the patriarchal values embedded in Afghan society. As readers navigate the moral landscape, they are drawn into the intricate web of cause and effect, where one decision reverberates through countless lives.
A Journey Through Time and Place
The narrative follows Saboor as he journeys from his village of Shadbagh to Kabul. Despite his father's reluctance, young Abdullah insists on accompanying him, dragging Pari in a cart along the arid landscape. The depth of Abdullah's devotion to his sister is highlighted through gestures reminiscent of selfless love, such as trading his prized shoes for a peacock feather, akin to the sacrificial love depicted in "The Gift of the Magi." Upon reaching Kabul, the handover of Pari to the Wahdatis marks the beginning of a new chapter that reverberates throughout the novel.
Intersecting...
(This entire section contains 1164 words.)
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Lives and Fates
Parwana, Saboor's second wife, brings another layer of complexity to the tale. Long enamored with Saboor, she steps into the role of wife after the death of his first wife—but not without haunting guilt. Her past actions, including a moment of jealousy that left her sister Masooma crippled, ultimately shape her path. As Hosseini deftly intertwines the fates of these characters, he underscores how every choice is rooted in history, and how the weight of guilt can bind a community.
Unveiling the Truth
A pivotal chapter narrated through a letter from Nabi offers insight into Pari's life with the Wahdatis. This intimate account unfolds the complexities of relationships and the consequences of past actions. Nabi's guilt over facilitating Pari's adoption, fueled by his loyalty and love, encapsulates the novel’s core themes. His narrative, addressed to Markos Varvaris, a Greek surgeon in Kabul, reflects on familial bonds and the pursuit of redemption.
A Search for Connection
Markos, a surgeon dedicated to healing Afghan children, becomes a crucial figure in the narrative as he fulfills Nabi's dying wish to locate Pari. Meanwhile, another chapter explores Idris Bashiri's return to Kabul, further entwining the narrative threads. Idris, a physician from California, represents a more personal note within the novel, echoing Hosseini's own experiences. As he and his brother Timur navigate the complexities of their homeland, the narrative delves into their personal and cultural struggles.
Reckoning and Reunion
The exploration of Pari’s relationship with her adoptive mother Nila adds depth to the narrative's middle sections. Later, readers encounter Adel, the son of a former mujahideen commander, introducing themes of power and corruption. Adel's father's dual nature—a benefactor and a manipulator—reflects the multifaceted human condition. As these diverse characters navigate their circumstances, the narrative sharpens its focus on the nuances of personal choice and consequence.
The Threads Come Together
The novel's final chapter weaves the various narrative strands into a cohesive resolution. Abdullah's daughter, named after his beloved sister, contemplates her mysterious aunt Pari. This introspection paves the way for a poignant reunion that brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion, highlighting the enduring impact of family ties and the echoes of past decisions.
In And the Mountains Echoed, Khaled Hosseini crafts a richly layered story that requires patience and attention. While the complexity and breadth of the narrative can pose challenges, the ultimate reward lies in witnessing the profound interconnections among the characters. Each one strives to navigate life's trials, crafting a tale that resonates deeply with the reader.
Review Sources
- Bissell, Sally. Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Library Journal 1 Apr. 2013: 73. Print.
- Ermelino, Louisa. "Third Time's a Charm: Hosseini's New Blockbuster." Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Publishers Weekly 10 June 2013: 12. Print.
- Kakutani, Michiko. "Siblings Haunted by the Past, and by Afghanistan's Cycle of Misery." Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. New York Times. New York Times, 20 May 2013. Web. 17 Jan 2013.
- Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Kirkus Reviews 15 Mar. 2013: 334. Print.
- McCay, Mary. Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Booklist 1 Sept. 2013: 56. Print.
- Rogan, Helen. Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. People Magazine 3 June 2013: 55. Print.
- Seaman, Donna. Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Booklist 1 Apr. 2013: 20. Print.
- Zipp, Yvonne. Rev. of And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. Christian Science Monitor. Christian Science Publishing Society, 23 May 2013. Web. 17 Jan. 2013.
