Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Kite Runner

   

   This novel is a powerful story set against the backdrop of tumultuous events in Afghanistan, from the fall of the monarchy through the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban regime. It follows the life of a wealthy boy and his best friend, a servant's son, their shared love for kite flying, and a terrible incident that tears their lives apart. The narrative explores themes of guilt, betrayal and redemption as the protagonist, now an adult living in America, is called back to his war-torn homeland to right the wrongs of his past.

   The 652nd Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. A Thousand Splendid Suns

   

   This novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by war and fate. Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces from her bitter mother. When she is married off to Rasheed, her life becomes a nightmare. Later, she becomes a co-wife to Laila, a beautiful and educated girl who also ends up as Rasheed's wife due to a series of tragic events. Despite their initial rivalry, the two women form a bond and become sources of support for each other in the face of their husband's brutalities and the war-torn world of Kabul.

   The 2738th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. And The Mountains Echoed

   

   The novel intricately weaves together the lives of multiple characters across different generations and continents, all connected by a pivotal event in Afghanistan involving a brother and sister separated at a young age. Through a series of interlinked stories, it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of family, as well as the impact of choices and circumstances on the characters' lives. The narrative spans several decades and locations, illustrating how personal histories and relationships echo through time, shaping the destinies of those involved.

4. 4. Sea Prayer

   

   The book is a poignant and evocative narrative that takes the form of a father's letter to his young son as they sit on a moonlit beach, awaiting a perilous journey across the sea. Through vivid and heartfelt reflections, the father reminisces about their peaceful life in Homs, Syria, before the ravages of war shattered their world. He expresses his hopes and fears for their uncertain future, capturing the profound love and desperation of a parent seeking safety and a better life for his child amidst the refugee crisis. The narrative is beautifully complemented by illustrations that enhance its emotional depth and urgency.