Obsidian Throne: the final chapter in the Lochlann Feud series

Obsidian Throne is the fourth and final book in the Lochlann Feud series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Picking up eight weeks after the end of Crimson Kingdom as Evander and Rowan prepare for their wedding in Bear and dealing with Iiro’s sudden succession to the Obsidian Throne. The war their marriage was supposed to stop seemed to bring the threat of another one. As Rowan learns the customs and rituals of her new home, an enemy waits in the shadows, biding their time to make a move. With secret alliances and spies around every corner, Rowan and Evander must figure out who they can trust, can they trust each other? 

This series has been an exciting story of romance and intrigue. I enjoyed the Obsidian Throne immensely! From the opening chapter to the final epilogue, it was a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Told between Rowan’s and Evander’s points of view, readers get a fast paced adventure of romance, political intrigue and battlefield strategy with lots of jaw dropping moments. I enjoyed the growth Evander had from his first introduction in the Scarlet Princess. I also enjoyed Rowan as she takes charge in order to help the war effort. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Obsidian Throne. I highly recommend Obsidian Throne and the rest of the Lochlann Feud series. 

Obsidian Throne is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Library of Legends: a mix of history and supernatural

The Library of Legends by Janie Chang is a story of a convoy of student refugees who travel across China to escape the hostilities during a war with Japan while protecting ancient texts of legends and myths. In 1937, as Japenese bombs drop on the city of Nanking, nineteen-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates from the Minghua University are ordered to flee and seek safety in the western provinces. Not only do the students and staff need to worry about the constant threat of air raids, they are entrusted with the safety of the Library of Legends, a -year-old collection of myths and folklore. During the journey, she forms an unlikely friendship with Liu Shaoming, a handsome and wealthy classmate, and his maidservant, Sparrow. As their friendship grows, she learns the connection with her companions and the tale of The Willow Star and the Prince from the Library of Legends. Is there more truth to the myths than she realized? Will they make it to safety? 

A mix of history and mystical and supernatural characters, The Library of Legends is an engaging story of love, war and survival. Ms Chang was influenced by the historical evacuations of the Chinese universities in the 1930s and the political intrigue as the rise of Communism in China is fueled by a few students and the attempts to squash its uprising. I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwining of the historical and supernatural elements of the story. It reminded me of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods (2001) as the gods and creatures of the myths and legends were alive and well in our world, we just don’t notice them. But would they be there for long? As more and more humans forget them, what’s their reasoning to stay? I enjoyed the idea that once the guardian spirits of these areas left, the horrors of war followed. This book was my first by Ms. Chang and I look forward to reading her other works in the future. I enjoyed and recommend The Library of Legends. 

The Library of Legends is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Noble Traitor: a historical novel featuring the Scottish War of Independence

Noble Traitor is the first book in the Son of Scotland series by JR Tomlin. In 1306 Scotland, Thomas Randolph is a young squire on the verge of knighthood when he joins Robert the Bruce, his uncle, in the fight for Scotland’s freedom. After a disastrous loss in the Battle of Methven, he is taken prisoner and Robert the Bruce goes into hiding. While other prisoners were executed under the dragon banner, Thomas’s life was saved by a friend. Now he must tread carefully as he is asked to swear his loyalty to King Edward I and England. With no choice, he serves England but his heart is still with Scotland. Caught between duty and his heart, he is now a noble traitor. 

I thoroughly enjoy books on Scottish history, especially featuring Scottish heroes that don’t get much attention when compared to figures like Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. I read JR Tomlin’s A Kingdom’s Cost (2016) about the Black Douglas and enjoyed it so much that when Noble Traitor was brought to my attention, I got it. It was interesting to see the different sides of the War of Scottish Independence. Noble Traitor shows the English and their Scottish allies as they hunt down Robert the Bruce and the Black Douglas. It covers the time period of February 1306 to December 1307.  Noble Traitor is a fast read. I was able to finish it in a few hours. I recommend Noble Traitor for anyone who is interested in Scottish history and military history. 

Noble Traitor is available in paperback and eBook

Under the Golden Sun: a story of love and war

Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft is a story of how one decision can change the course of one’s life. March 1941, England, Rose Hamilton is desperate for a change when, by chance, she comes across a want ad. A companion is needed to escort a young orphaned child to Australia. There are so many reasons she should ignore the ad but she is drawn to the plight of this poor child. On a whim, she meets with the child’s dying great-aunt and within weeks boards a ship on her way across the treacherous seas during wartime against the misgivings of her family and her fiancé. After the long journey, Rose and Walter arrive at his family’s cattle station home but their arrival isn’t as welcomed as she thought. Rose is determined to leave Walter when he is happy and settled and his wounded fighter pilot uncle, Max Lucknow, is the key. It becomes clear that she has grown to love Walter and his new family. How can she leave him behind when he isn’t the only reason she wants to stay? 

Ms. Ashcroft can be counted on for a beautiful story and Under the Golden Sun is no exception. I enjoyed each character as they are hardened by life’s harsh circumstances but through the magic of love and forgiveness, they find themselves softening and open to a better life. Though it doesn’t come easily, I liked the progression the characters go through as they face the demons they’ve been running from. I particularly like Rose as she battles feeling in limbo as she had suffered a terrible loss and life went on but she wasn’t the same. Even though the question of whether Rose stays or goes back to her life in England was fairly obvious; however, how it was answered was beautiful and heartwarming. It certainly brought a huge smile to my face. It was a hard book to put down as I was engaged in the family’s history and drama. I also enjoyed reading about the events of World War II through the eyes of another country. It isn’t just Americans or Europeans who experienced the war. I highly recommend Under the Golden Sun. 

Under the Golden Sun is available March 15, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

A Single Swallow: a heartbreaking story

A Single Swallow by Zhang Ling, translated by Shelly Bryant is a story about the devastation of war, forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love. On the historic day, August 15, 1945, the Jewel Voice Broadcast aired the speech of Emperor Hirohito which announced Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces, bringing an end to World War II. Three men made a pact. After their deaths, each year on the anniversary of the broadcast, their souls would return to Yuehu, the Chinese village where they fought and survived in a war that shook the world and changed their lives forever. Now seventy years later, the pledge is being fulfilled by Pastor Billy, an American missionary, Ian Ferguson, a brash gunner’s mate, and Liu Zhaohu, a local soldier. All that is missing is Yao Ah Yan. She was the girl each man loved in his own profound way. As they retell their personal stories of the war and the woman who touched his life, the story of Ah Yan is revealed. What was her story and how did she profoundly influence the lives of these three men? 

A Single Swallow is a beautiful story told from the memories of three dead men who talk about their wartime experiences. Experiences centered around one woman. From the opening chapter, I was pulled into the interesting premise of these men visiting after death. I eagerly turned each page as I read how each man knew this woman and how they changed each other’s lives, for good and bad. It was a book I could not put down. I happened to finish it in a few hours. But the story was so engaging that I barely noticed the time. Ms. Zhang weaves a complex tapestry of cause and consequence that can forever shape one’s life and how our inner strength determines how we respond to those situations and challenges. I also enjoyed the ending and felt it was very fitting. It was a captivating read which figures a part of the World War II story that is overshadowed by stories of the European front. A few reviews I read disliked that Ah Yan’s voice is never heard; however, I enjoyed this aspect as it gave her a mysterious air. I highly recommend A Single Swallow. 

A Single Swallow is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

At the End of the Matinee: a lyrical love story

At the End of the Matinee by Keiichiro Hirano, translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter is an extraordinary love story. Classical guitarist Satoshi Makino has toured the world and after one particular concert in Tokyo, he lays eyes on journalist Yoko Komine. Their bond is instantaneous. They begin a conversation that would go on for years through phone calls and emails. Even when they had spells of silence, they would always pick up where they left off. Makino is drawn to her refinement and intellect and she is drawn to his sensitivity and tenderness he displays through his music. But both of them are unfamiliar with love to see it blooming and lack the confidence to make the first move. Like the notes on the page and the duet of instruments in a symphony, they seem to be drawn together in a melody only they can hear. Will their love endure or will fate keep them apart?

At the End of the Matinee is a lovely, thought-provoking love story. I enjoyed the poetic and lyrical love story that Makino and Yoko engage in. It had the highs and lows and sweeping movements of a great symphony. It is a slow read as the author’s words describe the beautiful dance that these two seem to be a part of. The two meet late in their lives when their lives are centered around their careers and thoughts of love seem like a distant, foolhardy dream. But love can spring up at any moment. At the End of the Matinee is not a traditional romance that I am most familiar with but I enjoyed the connection Makino and Yoko have and the honesty and openness they have with each other. They discuss many serious topics such as war, PTSD and the lonely side of music. It is a beautiful story.  I recommend At the End of the Matinee. 

At the End of the Matinee is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Chasing Alexander: a realistic look into one Marine's war experience

Chasing Alexander: A Marine’s Journey Across Iraq and Afghanistan by Christopher Martin is his personal account of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a falling college student obsessed with Alexander the Great, Martin enlisted in the US Marine Corps. His goal: to become a different man, a man like Alexander. Chronicling his early life in small town Pennsylvania where nothing happens to his struggles in high school and college and leading to his decision to join the Marines. From his difficulty at boot camp to his disappointing deployment to Iraq, Martin fears he will never live up to Alexander’s example. Soon after, Martin and his unit are sent to Marjah, nicknamed “the bleeding ulcer” of Afghanistan. There he faces heat, fleas and a hidden enemy. As the firefights increase and the casualties are becoming names he knows, Martin struggles to control his emotions and his newfound sense of power. He may physically survive the war, but will he keep his sanity? 

Chasing Alexander is a haunting, fast-paced war memoir of a young man who thought only about the glory of war and not the cost. A book I could not put down as Martin’s account of his experiences are captivating. Interwoven with history facts about Alexander the Great, Martin gives an unflinching, no-holds-bar account of the seductive side of war and its horrifying consequences. His determination to be a grunt, an ordinary Joe, is quickly thwarted when his intelligence puts him in more important roles including leadership. With the recent events in Afghanistan in the back of my mind, I read Martin’s words with baited breath. His account of Operation Moshtarak (February 13, 2010 - December 7, 2010) aka the Battle of Marjah was particularly riveting. It is an honest, poignant look into an experience that many of us will never have. It is a reminder about the cost of war particularly to the men and women who fight it. I highly recommend Chasing Alexander. 

Chasing Alexander is available in hardcover and eBook. 

The Memory of Us: a story of love, war and difficult choices

The Memory of Us by Camille Di Maio is a story of choices and their consequences. In 1937, Julianne Westcott was an 18-year old Protestant girl living the dream life in Liverpool. The illusion of her perfect life and family is shattered when she discovers she has a twin brother, a brother who is blind and deaf, and that her parents sent to an institution While secretly visiting her brother, Julianne meets and befriends Kyle McCarthy, an Irish Catholic groundskeeper studying to become a priest. They soon find themselves caught between her family’s expectations, Kyle’s devotion to the Church and the intense feelings they seem to have for each other. Julianne and Kyle must make a choice: do they follow the life and expectations they have before them or do they choose the difficult path of love? As war rages through Europe and the Blitz devastates England, a tragic accident leaves Julianne to forge a new life built on lies. Lies she tells herself protect those she loves. Will the truth find her? Will she be brave enough to face the choices she made? 

The Memory of Us came highly recommended and I looked forward to reading it. However, it was not the story I expected. It was an easy, fast paced story. I finished it in a few hours. The first two-thirds of the book were good. I loved the romance between Julianne and Kyle. The last third of the book is where the story fell for me. It was difficult to understand the motivation behind Julianne’s decision to forge her new life. It seemed to come out of the blue and without any indication that it was a decision she needed to make. Julianne was a hard character to understand. At times she is strong and willing to stand up to anyone, then she bows down to the demands of others and back again. The ending was supposed to be heartwarming and sweet but it felt forced and too tidy. Other reviewers mentioned the references to The Beatles’ 1966 song “Eleanor Rigby.” I am not overly familiar with the song to pick up any references. Those who are familiar with the song may enjoy the references. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I do recommend it. 

The Memory of Us is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Maiden Voyages: the amazing stories of the women who traveled aboard the magnificent ocean liners

Maiden Voyages: Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them by Siân Evans explores the women whose lives were transformed by the Golden Age of ocean liner travel between Europe and North America. During the early 20th century as transatlantic travel was dominated by the great ocean liners, many women undertook the journey. Some traveled for leisure, some traveled for work. Some traveled to reinvent themselves and find new opportunities. They were celebrities, migrants, refugees, aristocrats and crew members. The ocean liner was a snapshot of contemporary society, divided by class. From the A-listers of the day like Marlene Dietrich and Josephine Baker, to the steerage who sought to escape poverty. Ms. Evans sets out to bring their untold stories to light, to honor their trailblazing courage. 

Maiden Voyages is an engaging and informative book filled with the anecdotal social history of the women who crossed the Atlantic. Ms. Evans presents their stories in an engaging and fascinating portrait of these women’s amazing stories. Stories of women who went to work to support families, to escape pressures from society and seek adventure. I particularly enjoyed the story of Violet Jessop who survived several sinkings, including the Titanic, to be nicknamed “The Unsinkable Stewardess.” As well as the countless stewardesses who dared cross the Atlantic in war time, even after the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915  and became nurses on hospital ships in World War II. Ms. Evans also features the stories of the war brides who were brought to America on ships like the Queen Mary. I highly recommend Maiden Voyages. 

Maiden Voyages: 

Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them 

will be available August 10, 2021 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook.

Last Train to Istanbul: a story of family, survival and war

 Last Train to Istanbul by Ayse Kulin is a story of love and survival in a time of great uncertainty. The story opens in 1941 as World War II is raging in Europe and Turkey is between a rock and a hard place. Trying to avoid a repeat of the aftermath of The Great World, Turkey is reluctant to choose a side, despite pressures from Britain, Russia, and Germany. As war and politics rages on, a young girl falls in love. As the daughter of a prominent family, Selva could have any man who wanted and yet she only had eyes for the handsome, Rafael Alfandari, the Jewish son of an esteemed family. In defiance of both their families, they marry and flee to France. But soon the Nazis invade and occupy France and they find themselves in danger. A few brave Turkish diplomats develop a plan to get the Turkish Jews, including Selva and Rafael, out of France and back into Turkey. The train they must take crosses the war-torn continent and behind enemy lines. Will they make the train? Will they make it to safety?

Last Train to Istanbul opens more of the world in World War II. Most books focus on occupied France and Germany. Many people don’t realize that other countries were involved or desperately trying to stay out of the war. Last Train to Istanbul opened my eyes to the war than is normally talked about. The story was dramatic with daring escapes, family drama and the amazing human spirit to survive against unbelievable odds. This is my second book from Ms. Kulin. A few years ago, I read Love in Exile, which I also recommend, Last Train to Istanbul weaves a beautiful tapestry of the country and her people. I enjoyed every character with their different views on life, politics, and the importance of family regardless of the past. I always find it encouraging when people will go above and beyond for complete strangers and this is a story of those individuals. I recommend Last Train to Istanbul.

 

Last Train to Istanbul is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Seasons of the Moon: one man's journey through life

Seasons of the Moon by Julien Aranda (translated by Roland Glasser) is the one man’s story through life. Beginning with his birth, Paul Vertune was the youngest son of a farmer on the Brittany coast of France. From the very beginning, it was clear that Paul was not destined for a life as a farmer. From the age of 6, he dreamed of becoming a sailor and seeing the world. However, the world had other ideas. Soon World War II breaks out and his village is under German occupation. After a brief encounter with a German solider, who shows a young man in love mercy, Paul gives a promise that would he was determined to fulfill. He promises this German soldier to tell his daughter he loves her. At 18, Paul is drafted and spends his enlistment at the hands of a cruel drill sergeant. After his time in the army, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Mathilde, and sets out to fulfil his dream and his promise. Will he be able to find the German soldier’s daughter? Or will she be lost to the chaos in the aftermath of war?

Seasons of the Moon is a deeply retrospective, emotional story about the endless possibilities of life and finding the beauty in it all. While the book was slow in parts, I enjoyed reading Paul’s journey through life as he experiences life altering events which teach him that life is precious despite its hardships. It is a beautiful story of one man’s journey through life and his determination to fulfill a promise. I also enjoyed how Mr. Aranda used the phases of the moon as Paul enters a new phase in his life. I recommend Seasons of the Moon.

Seasons of the Moon

is available in paperback and eBook

Death of Nation: a scathing look into 9/11 and its aftermath

Death of a Nation: 9/11 and the Rise of Fascism in America by George W. Grundy is a scathing account of the events leading to 9/11, the events of the day and the aftermath. Mr. Grundy argues that the events of 9/11 have been falsely portrayed. His premise is that the attacks were carried out by entities within the U.S. government and the military. Everything from the wars in the Middle East to the rise of ISIS to the election of Donald Trump. He discusses the timeline of 9/11 and the inaction of individuals and inconsistency in the statements made in the days following the tragedy. He asserts that the World Trade Center was a controlled demolition. The main premise is how the US government reacted with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Patriot Act and Guantanamo Bay all have led to fascism in America. He asserts that anyone who believes the official report and that the government had no part in the 9/11 terrorist attack is blind.

I don’t know anyone who truly believes that the government tells the American public the truth. There never really has been transparency in government (even though some may have tried). It reminds of a line from the movie, Tommy Boy (1995), Ray Zalinsky (played by Dan Aykroyd) says “What the American public doesn't know is what makes them the American public.” Some of the American didn’t want to know. The grief and shock of watching the events unfold overwhelmed them that they didn’t pay attention to what happened afterword. While I do not agree with all of Mr. Grundy’s assertions and many of his assertions sound a lot like conspiracy theories, however; he does bring up valid points and shows the lasting effects of that horrible day. I recommend this book for those who are interested in reading an in-depth analysis of a day many of us cannot forget.

Death of a Nation:

9/11 and the Rise of Fascism in American

is available on Amazon

in hardcover and on the Kindle 

An Ishmael of Syria: life as an outcast

An Ishmael of Syria by Asaad Almohammad is the story of Adam, an exiled Syrian living in Malaysia as his family still lives in his war-torn homeland. A self-proclaimed global citizen and philosopher of world events, Adam tries to make the most of his situation. However, he is met with intolerance and racism. He is a man without a country, without a home, without shelter from the cruelty of this cold world. Despite this, he does what he can for his family back home. As the news out of Syria becomes more and more distressing, Adam begins to question everything he believes about himself, God and the world around him. Will Adam ever be able to get back home? Will his family survive this terrible war?

An Ishmael of Syria is a moving and eloquent story as it unveils the events his present as well as the events of his past that brought him so far from home. The story brings to the forefront of the complexities that is the conflicts in the Middle East. Each side has what they believe is right and just and fighting against those who threatened or has taken away their homes. I suggest reading this book slowly, absorbing every description, every sight and try to imagine life as an Ishmael, an outcast. I highly recommend An Ishmael of Syria.

An Ishmael of Syria

is available on Amazon

in paperback and Kindle

as well as on Barnes and Noble

in paperback

The Girl from Venice: a mystery set in war torn Italy

The Girl from Venice by Martin Cruz Smith is a World War II drama set in Italy as a simple fisherman is pulled into a world of spies and wartime suspicions. Innocenzo “Cenzo” Vianello is a fishing one night in the lagoon of his village when he finds the body of a female, Guila, floating in the water. After a moment’s hesitation, he pulls her on his boat and from that moment, his life is never the same. He is pulled into a world of espionage, half-truths and mysteries as to who this woman is and what the Germans and the Italians what with her. She soon goes missing. With the addition of his family obligations and his resistance to do what is expected of him, Cenzo is pulled by the desire to rescue Guila. Will he find her in time? Will he discover why she’s so important to the Germans? Is there someone else after her?

The Girl from Venice is a fast paced drama with twists and turns, suspense which will leave you holding your breath. I enjoyed this book from the first page and I eagerly turned each page waiting to see if Cenzo finds Guila before the Germans do. I enjoyed reading a World War II story featuring Italy and the attitudes of the Italians toward Mussolini, Hitler, Americans and the war itself. There is so much I enjoyed about the book but I can’t really talk about finer points due to spoilers. However, if you enjoy a love story hidden in the suspense of World War II, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend The Girl from Venice.

If Girl from Venice

will be available October 18, 2016

on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

in hardcover, audiobook and eBook

The Kite Runner: a story of forgiveness and redemption

The Kite Runner is the first novel by Khaled Hosseini. It starts in Afghanistan before the country was torn apart by politics, racial prejudice and war. As a young boy learns about the world around him and the delicate balance between doing what is right and staying quiet out of fear. The story opens in December 2001, as a man muses that the past never stays buried. As it has a way to crawl to the present. Amir lives with his widowed father, their servant, Ali, and Ali’s son, Hassan. It seems to be an idyllic life until July 17, 1973 when the king is overthrown and a new government is established. By March 1981, Amir and his father must leave the country and become refugees on their way to America. Once in America, Amir learns to make a new life for himself. He goes to college and even gets married. His life goes smoothly until he receives a letter which will turn his life around and send him back to his homeland in search of forgiveness and redemption.

The Kite Runner is the second novel I’ve read by Khaled Hosseini and his storytelling ability is wonderful. I love this descriptions of Afghanistan before it was torn apart and you can almost imagine it was life in America. As many people in America, I didn’t know much about Afghanistan until 9/11 and Mr. Hosseini’s writing brings a beautiful country to life, brings it’s people to life and brings the long series of events which led to the country status now, to heartbreaking light. I highly recommend The Kite Runner.

The Kite Runner

Is available at all major booksellers

About the Night: a love torn apart by political lines

About the Night by Anat Taslshir, translated by Evan Fallenberg, is a Romeo and Juliet type of love story where two lovers are torn apart by family, religion and war. The story opens in 2006 as Elias Riani is in the hospital. He is visited by a young woman, Nomi. The story flashbacks to 1947 where Elias meets the beautiful Lila. Despite the rising tensions in their country, the two fall in love and eventually secretly marry. Their life together is torn apart on November 29, 1947 when the General Assembly of the UN had divvied the country into two. One half becomes the country of Israel and the other the country of Palestine. Lila is now trapped in the country of Israel as she is Jewish and Elias is in Palestine as he is Arab. As tension continue to rise between the Jews and the Arabs, suspicions about Elias and Lila’s relationship begin to arise and soon the two are torn apart by politics and age-old prejudices. Will the Elias and Lila ever have a life together? Or will they forever be keep apart?

About the Night is a beautiful love story about two people torn about by politics and prejudices. The descriptions by Ms. Taslshir are beautifully written, almost like poetry, that you can feel yourself there with Lila as she hides during bombings or with Elias as he waits for death. My favorite quote is from a minor character but carries such power. Munir says “Nobody can bring peace here…It has to come from this place, from the people.” This is so true as peace in the Middle East must come from within the hearts and minds of the people, not from foreign dignitaries or war. I highly recommend About the Night!

About the Night

Is available on Amazon

In paperback $14.95

And with Kindle Unlimited 

And the Mountains Echoed: a great story about a family torn apart

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini is a heartbreaking journey one Afghan family must take from an impoverished Afghan village to a modern day, war torn country. From Afghanistan to Paris, France to the United States. The book is told in a series of short stories told from different perspectives as the reader is taken on one father’s devastating choice to a country trying to rebuild.

It is the fall of 1952 and 10 year old Abdullah is being told a story by his father. The story of a father sacrificing his favorite child to save an entire village and the anguish he suffers. Abdullah, his beloved little sister, Pari and their father, Sabor are on a journey to Kabul where Pari will be adopted by Mr. and Mars. Wahdati. In the spring of 1955, Mr. Wahdati suffers a stroke and Mrs. Wahdati to return to Paris, France taking Pari with her. The book fast forwards to spring 2003, as two Afghan-Americans, Idris and Timur, come to Kabul, looking to restore their families’ lands which were stolen by the Taliban. The experience changes Idris as he returns to his cushy and safe life in the U.S. We learn that Abdullah has made it to America where he and his family have opened a restaurant. The story flash backs to Paris 1974 and Pari as a young adult. She struggles with her alcoholic mother. We sees Pari’s life as she gets married, has children and becomes a widow. Until one fateful day, when the phone rings and she learns about her past that her mother took with her to the grave. Will brother and sister finally be reunited? Or is it too late?

I enjoyed And the Mountains Echoed. I enjoyed the epic story of one family as their country is thrown into war, the arrival of the Taliban and the aftermath of the U.S. war against the Taliban. While the political agendas are very much in the background, the reader can feel its presence as the characters interact and live in the world around them. Despite the back and forth in the timeline and the narrators, the story flowed and was easier to read than I expected. I highly recommend And the Mountains Echoed. It is a great story about the personal events in a turbulent region of the world.