Storytelling magnificence!
I absolutely adored this novel. There was so much to absorb page by page sheer storytelling magnificence from Khaled Hosseini. This novel got me bad, jolted me upright. Made me cry out in shock, it took me on a journey to Afghanistan made me feel a rollercoaster of emotions as I listened to the story of Amir and friendship with Hassan. This novel radiates:

Loyalty
Forgiveness
Redemption
Atonement
Shame
Kinship
Secrets.
Truth
Promises broken.
Consequences
Surrendering
Hope

I was particularly stuck by the reference to sin. Defined as Theft.
'When you kill a man you steal his life. When you tell a lie you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat you steal the right to fairness.'

This was my first @audible read of 2020. I never fail to enjoy audio books that are narrated by the author themselves. Audible did not dissapoint.

I first discovered Khaled Hosseini years back having read A Thousand Splendid Suns. I thoroughly enjoyed that book and is worthy of a reread.

In my opinion, a 5⭐ read without doubt.

It was all encompassing and I am filled with a mix of emotions. What a triumph! '
A truly remarkable woman of firsts.'

So many stand out moments. I've laughed, cried and gasped in shock at the many trials, tribulations and triumphs she has experienced in one of the most incredible and inspiring books I have ever read.

'I've never taken a salary from the hospital and have used up all my savings, I'll probably die as poor as my father was. Yet I am the richest woman in the world. I measure my wealth not in money or camels but in the lives I have brought into this world and those I have saved.'

'I have a million reasons to get up each morning and work for an average of ten hours every day, despite my eighty decades on this earth.'

I particularly liked the geographical connection I had to the book as Edna referenced so many familiar cities or countires, all of which connected to me in some way.

Reading this book was an education.
I also learnt so much l, I am aware and emotionally stirred to the attrosity that is the global epidemic of FGM. I've also learnt about the geography and history that exists between her motherland Somaliand and Somalia. Two neighbouring yet very different countries each with its labouring struggles from the past four to five decades.

If one profound thing I have learnt from this book is bravery and courage wins everytime. This incredibly remarkable woman has continually pushed past any fear and courageously stood firm in her life long goals.

The evolution of the Edna Adan University Hospital is a sheer triumph. Notably, another reflection is the relationship between her and her Father. A beautiful unconditional love.

It's been the perfect start to my book club and personal reading journey. Can't wait to discuss it at book club this month. Bottom line is...You've got to read it!

I spotted this book at the Library as I was looking for some November reads and needless to say I was drawn to the book cover and title! After reading the blurb I just knew I had to loan it.

November a novel is a moving and unsettling fictional retelling of the murder of six Jesuit priests by the Salvadorian army in 1989 by writer and poet Jorge Galán. It's about cold blooded murder, injustice and faith.

Inspired by true events this book raises the voice of the unheard. Reading it you get a real sense of the injustice served to the Jesuits and people of El Salvador during a civil war. It is painful for an emotive relator like me as I got a real sense of the fear the people lived with day after day. It is heart breaking and reminds me of how very privileged I am to live my life as free and safe as one would imagine in stark comparison.

There is no doubt the book is beautifully written Jorge is a talent. I also must acknowledge and pay respect to Jason Wilson who translated the book for I would not have access to read it without this blessing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a break from their usual go to genres. It's an important read, compelling history, faith filled and will evoke emotions and reflective thoughts.

I get the sense its an underrated book that deserves more praise that it has already gotten.

Reading Reflections with #readwithsabs
'Dreamlike, compelling and readable'.

I was looking for a mysterious eerie read when I picked this title for my book club last month and Mandel certainly delivered on that ~ It is extremely well written.

The book is woven by intersecting stories from multiple flawed characters. It is a positve puzzle like read. Central themes of greed, guilt, deception and regret and the lasting effects of such actions leap out at you as you journey through the pages.

In summary, its not a 5 star read for me, no book hangover as such it was solid dreamlike, compelling and readable.

I will certainly look out for more from Mandel and will read Station Eleven which has been on my radar for sometime.