An American novelist with roots in Afghanistan.
Afghan-American novelist Khaled Hosseini is certainly no secret among readers, because already his first novel, The Kite Runner, has been an international success. His other novels, however, are also worth reading.
*The Kite Runner (2003)
*A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007)
*And the Mountains Echoes (2013)
The Kite Runner is a touching tale of friendship, which turns into something very bitter because of jealousy and issues of hierarchy. Set in Kabul, Afghanistan, which was also Hosseini's childhood home, the novel later moves to America and Pakistan. Hosseini creates a world filled with contrasts, which leaves a lasting impression on readers.
(Note: The film adaptation (2007) by Marc Forster is worth watching as well.)
Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, shows a more female perspective of the events in Afghanistan, compared to his first novel with mainly male characters. The plot revolved around two women who are unrelated by family, but whom their destinies bring together. Issues of harsh surroundings and the influence of historical events are equally important as is in The Kite Runner, and the fate of some of the characters is deeply moving.
In And the Mountain Echoed, Hosseini shows some other aspects inspired by his life, which was spent in Paris and California after leaving Afghanistan at a young age. This novel is also partially set in Paris and California, spanning several decades and employing the most complex narrative structure of all three novels. Instead of having one or two protagonists, this novel shows a new perspective in every chapter, but there is a connection through some family element between all characters. At times this might feel like a puzzle, but it is a very beautiful one when it all comes together.
(Images: by myself, books published by Bloomsbury)