READING UPDATE: R. ZELANZY, K. HOSSEINI AND ARTO PAASILINA

Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! How do you feel about reading some book reviews and recommendations? It has been a while since my last reading update, hasn't it? I love writing book reviews and you seem to like reading them so I'm back with a new reading update. 

Today I'll share book reviews for three very different novels with you. The first one is a science fiction novel written by two North American writers. This novel doesn't take itself too seriously and is a fun read. The second book recommendation is a bestseller: an emotional novel  by an Afghan-American writer and doctor.  The third novel I reviewed a dark comedy novel by a Finish author. I'm also going to show you a few ways to wear a cherry print dress in winter.  A little bit of fashion, and a lot of reading. That is what is on the menu today. I'm posing with a book about aviation that I will review some other time. Scroll down to see and read more!

IF AT FAUST YOU DON'T SUCCEED BY ROGER ZELANZY AND ROBERT SHECKLEY 

Before I start my review, here is some information about this fantasy novel. This book is actually a sequel to Bring Me the Head of Prince Charming. So, there is a novel that comes before it, and also a novel that comes after it.  Published in 1991, Bring Me the Head of Prince Charming tells of a contest held every millennium, basically a fight  between the forces of good and of evil. Representing the side of eil there is a demon and representing the side of good there is an angel. The contest composes of a trail of human nature, meaning that the choices of humans determine the winner.  I have not read this the first book, but that is the basic summary. The second novel, the one I'm reviewing today, focuses on the next Millennial contest. Against, the forces of good and evil have to fight one another. The human that will be the representative for trial of human nature is none other than doctor Faust. I really liked this bit because I'm a fan of both Marlowe and Goethe's take on doctor Faust. 

This is the description of the book on Amazon, that is, what of If at Faust You don't Succeed:

"The last Millennial contest--between the forces  of Good and Evil for control of the  universe--didn't work out quite so well for Evil and its rooters.  But it's time for the next round, and this time the demon Mephistopheles is carrying the ball for  the forces of Darkness. But all is not as it seems.  The harried archdemon mistakenly signs up a  medieval cutpurse names Mack the Club, thinking him the  learned Dr. Faust. The demon Azzie, still  stinging from the Evil's last defeat (and not being  chosen to head the current effort), takes events into  his own claws. And the pious angel Michael--well,  let's just say some of his tactics in the titanic  struggle to come are not quite cricket . . ."

What is the beginning of this novel like? Before starting with my review, I'll quote some passages from the first chapter, just to give you the feel of the writing.

THE CONTEST 

CHAPTER 1 

The two representatives of Dark and Light had agreed to meet at the Halfway Tavern in Limbo, there to set in motion the Contest that had been agreed between them. Limbo was a gray sort of place with very even lighting. It existed between the Abode of Light and the Abode of Dark, a nebulous waiting-room sort of a place, vague at the best of times, but not entirely devoid of qualities. There was the Halfway Tavern, for example, situated right in the middle of Limbo. The tavern was a queer, rickety old wooden building with a crazy tilted roof. It had been built on the line that separates the part of Limbo nearest Heaven from the part nearest Hell. This place didn’t get much business, but it was supported by equal contributions from Light and Dark. It was maintained for the succor of those spirits who happened to find themselves passing through on their way to somewhere else.*

Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

puffer: borrowed (similar here), dress (see also here), boots (see also here for more ways to wear)

“So this is the famous Halfway Tavern!” said the Archangel Michael. “I’ve never been here before. Do they have a decent sort of a kitchen?”

 “It is reputed to be quite good,” said Mephistopheles. “But half an hour later, you don’t know that you’ve eaten anything. Persuasive but insubstantial, like the rest of Limbo.” *

Halfway Tavern is where the representatives of good and evil meet when they need to get together for some reason. So, Archangel Michael chats with the demon Mephistopheles. They commend on food, and even enter into some theological talk. Mephistopheles explains that in the old days, limbo had served the purpose that it was described to serve. Does this means that it is humans that shape the reality? If people believe that unbaptized babies and virtuous pagans go there, then they go there. When people stopped believing that, and became more theologically advanced, the reality itself changed? I found this passage interesting. 

“What’s that region down there?” Michael asked, pointing. Mephistopheles peered. “Oh, that’s the waiting area. In the old days, that’s where they sent virtuous pagans and unbaptized babies, to wait until something could be done with them. That’s not important nowadays, but a lot of people still find their way there for one reason or another.”*

This novel is such an interesting mix of philosophical, ironical and comical. Speaking of comical, it seems funny that a demon is explaining to an angel what limbo is or was. Michael is not entirely pleased they are meeting there, but Mephistopheles assures him it is an appropriate place. 

 “I wonder if this is the best place for our meeting,” Michael said, for he didn’t like the look of some of the things he could see going on in the waiting area. 

“It was agreed beforehand between your people and mine,” Mephistopheles said. “Limbo is neutral territory, neither fish nor fowl, and certainly not good red meat. What better place for us to meet and begin the contest? Come, shall we go in?”*

Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

Archangel Michael is described in some detail, and why not since he is one of the central characters.

Michael was tall even for an archangel, and well made, since heavenly bodies tended toward athleticism. He had black kinky hair and a hooked nose and olive skin, souvenirs of his Semitic and Persian ancestors. In the old days, Michael had been the guardian angel of Israel, back when there were still local deities who had not been subsumed into the One God system that had proven so popular on Earth. Michael could have had divine cosmetic surgery, since in Heaven you can look any way you want, as long as you don’t use your looks for your personal advantage, but he kept his features in memory of the old time, even though he could have been a blue-eyed blond like the other archangels. He thought wiry black hair and aquiline features lent him an air of distinction. 

The demon is described in some detail as well. Interesting both characters have had a choice in the way they look. Apparance matters it seems, both in heaven and hell of Zelazny's vision. 

“It’s chilly out there,” Mephistopheles said, rubbing his hands together briskly. He was of average height for a high officer in the ranks of Darkness, lean, with a long, narrow face, longfingered hands, and small, shapely feet that he kept in patent-leather pumps. His hair was jet black, sleeked straight back, with a natural part in the middle. He wore a small moustache and a pointed beard of the type known as an imperial because he had been told it made him look untrustworthy. 

What follows is an interesting conversation about the coldness in limbo. 

“But how could it be cold?” Michael asked. “In Limbo there is neither hot nor cold.” “People say that,” Mephistopheles said, “but it’s not true. That stuff about Limbo having no qualities is patently false. There’s enough light to see by, isn’t there? And if you can have light, why not cold?” “In Limbo,” Michael said, somewhat pompously, “one sees by the inner vision.” “And shivers with the internal cold, I suppose,” Mephistopheles said. “No, you’re wrong about this one, Michael. The wind that blows through Limbo can sometimes be exceedingly biting, blowing as it does from the direction of Despair.”

Michael and Mephistopheles disagree, but agree to disagree. Not only do they agree to disagree, but they also agree it is the way things should be.

“I’m not wrong,” Michael said. “But I suppose it’s part of the scheme of things that you and I should disagree, representing, as we do, two glorious but opposed viewpoints. And that is how it should be, of course.”*

Next thing we know, the writer subtly tell us what the previous novel was about. I love how they incorporated it into the novel effortlessly, so it does not feel forced. It is a natural part of the conversation. This first chapter is so well written, I'm tempted to quote all of it.

“I think that’s my line,” Mephistopheles said cheerfully, sitting down in the booth opposite Michael and drawing off his gray silk gloves.

 “I suppose we can agree that we disagree on almost everything.” 

“Especially on the matter of cities versus country.” 

“Yes. Our last contest left that inconclusive, didn’t it?” Mephistopheles was referring to the recent great Millennial contest in which the forces of Dark and Light had contested for control of mankind’s destiny for the next thousand years. That contest had centered on the conceit proposed by a young demon named Azzie, who had reenacted the Prince Charming legend, intending to bring it this time to a dolorous conclusion, and to do so through no machinations of his own, but solely through the spirit of Failure expressing itself through Prince Charming’s concocted body. Good had gone for the bet, although the contest appeared to be biased in favor of Dark. But Good always enters such contests, assuming that the pull of Good is so great among mankind, a sentimental lot, that someone has to weigh the scales in favor of Evil for there to be anything of an agonal nature going on at all.*

*Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

IF AT FAUST YOU DON'T SUCCEED BY ROGER ZELANZY AND ROBERT SHECKLEY 4/5

If at Faust You Don't Succeed is a religious satire of sorts, so it might be offensive to some who are easily offended. That being said, I think it's a great novel. I do like how Roger can make fun of religious concepts but at the same time keep his writing intelligent and balanced. 

The Dark side, for its part, delighted in putting forth schemes of an involved nature, since the Dark side of things feels at home only in complications. Light, being simple, albeit in a doctrinaire way, was pleased to confront the dubious inventions of Dark, oftentimes losing because you can only weight a scale so far before it comes crashing down on one side, which is then considered preordained.*

There is a lot of humour in this book, but it is well written and has a place within the story. Now, I'm not familiar with the other author Roger Zelazny collaborated with on this novel and that is Robert Sheckley. However, I believe they collaborated on some other works as well. Anyhow, their collaboration seems to be a success.  I can definitely recognize Roger’s signature touch to this story, though. I think these two really have a good writing chemistry together. It was a lot of fun to read this book.  

The proprietor of the tavern came over. He was an indistinct fellow, as are all who stay for any length of time in Limbo, and the only definite things about him were the cast in one eye and his large and clumsy feet. 

“Yes, my lord,” he said to Mephistopheles, louting low. “What can I bring you?” 

“An ichor daiquiri will do very nicely,” Mephistopheles said. 

“Yes, lord. And could I interest you in a slice of devil’s food cake? Fresh today!” 

“All right. And what else have you got?”*

I might have a weakness for theology mixed with something else, especially when that something else is science fiction or fantasy. This novel was such a fun read. Sure, this book doesn't have the depth of the Lord of Light, but it is damn funny. It ridicules our concepts of heaven and earth and well of pretty much everything.

“Which is the truer image remains to be seen,” Mephistopheles said. “So, trot out one of your urban saints and my merry crew of demons and I will have him foreswearing Good in no time.” 

“No, he needn’t be a saint,” Michael said, demonstrating again Good’s irresistible tendency to give up advantages. “And anyhow, we have something more elaborate in mind. Something with a bit of sweep and grandeur to it to be held in a variety of times and places throughout the new millennium. But I’ll tell you about that later. For now, are you acquainted with our servant Faust?” 

“Of course,” Mephistopheles said, though here he committed a typical error of the Dark side, pretending to knowledge that he didn’t have.“*

Faust as an old man who would do anything to eat a normal dinner and sleep with a pretty young woman is not exactly the most awe-inspiring hero but then again this is a satirical novel. There is also an anti-hero that is charming as hell- not a typical Faustian legend, is it? 

And then there was a voice at his shoulder, saying, “Excuse me, sir, a moment of your time…” Faust stopped and turned, prepared to chastise the importunate wretch who had the temerity to delay him. He looked into the doorway but could see no person. He was about to go on when he heard a whirring sound in the air. His rapid brain told him that something was amiss; but the insight came to him almost simultaneous with the crashing of a blunt object of considerable hardness against his temple. He saw stars for a moment, and great shooting comets, and then knew nothing as black unconsciousness gathered him into her dark mantle. *

Doctor Faust is not the impressive man one might imagine, rather a vain professor. 

“This is my first day on the job,” the girl said, smiling with sulky and provocative beauty. “My name is Marguerite, and I come from Mecklenburg where I was a goosegirl until the armies of Gustavus Adolphus and his wild Swedes came down from the north bringing fire and rapine and causing me to flee to the east to avoid what proved to be not inevitable after all.” 

Faust nodded, enthralled by her idle prattle, enchanted by her womanly charms —a fascination rejuvenated along with the Test of him. 

“I am Dr. Johann Faust,” he said. “You may have heard of me.” “Indeed I have, sir,” Marguerite said. For in those days alchemists were among the star acts on the entertainment circuit and a really successful one like Faust could expect to be known far and wide.*

Where are the complexities, the inner struggle of one's soul? You won't find them with Faust. There is no great magician/alchemist/academic searching for truth but something more like most of the academics you might know: selfish, intelligent but quite close minded and egoistic. You know very human but not in the flattering sense of the word. That's the Faust of this book. You know, I think that this version ruined Goethe's Faust for me. IT is not precisely a PURE parody of it, but it does makes fun of it.

As for example, when Faust is only to eager to side with the dark side, but the demon accidentally takes someone else. He forgets to check Faust's identity and takes someone else on the quest. Obviously, there are many corrupted people to chose from. 

“That is indeed wonderful,” Mack said. “I am in awe of the way you have solved one of mankind’s oldest dilemmas.” He wanted to add, Mephistopheles, you have convinced me, go bring on the dancing girls, just tell me who you want me to kill. But native caution rose again in him and he said; “And where am I to enjoy my new lifestyle with unlimited wealth ‘and boundless women?”

 “Why, where you please,” Mephistopheles said. “But if none of the present divisions of the world please you, we can take you elsewhere in time, to any moment in any place anywhere, even the ones that do not yet exist, because there is a law that says that that which is conceived must exist...."

*Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

purple, golden and black high heels- see here

Faust is not happy he has not been taken, but he finds some solace in beautiful Marguerite. Not only solace, but also motivation. 

“Why don’t you come around to my place this evening?” Faust asked. “We’ll divert ourselves by playing around with a spell or two.” 

“Delighted,” Marguerite said. “I’m off at eight. Till then, hasta la vista.” Surprising him with her unexpected gift of languages, she hurried away to serve the other customers. *

.......

Faust falls for beautiful Marguerite and she sees an opportunity for riches in him. A relationship of interests. 

Faust finished his meal and returned home. Before Marguerite’s arrival, he took the opportunity of sprucing up his chambers. He carried to the back door the trash from the last week’s experiments—dead cats that he had been trying to get to dance for him, old borscht and porridge containers from his most recent take-out meals, and a big pile of scholar’s gray gowns that the servant had been supposed to wash and press. He pulled back heavy curtains all the way, opened shutters, and gave the place a good airing. Women, not being scholars themselves, cared about such things. When he had the room to his satisfaction he burned some frankincense in a copper basin, filling the air with pungent sweetness. Then he heated water and, stripping off all his clothes, scrubbed himself thoroughly. He felt a little foolish doing it, but what the hell, it was spring and he needed a cleaning anyhow after the long winter’s funk. He put on a fresh gown and combed his hair, which had become wiry and unruly since his rejuvenation at the Witches’ Kitchen. An unaccustomed yet familiar excitement suffused his newly young body. He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he’d had a date. Marguerite came to him shortly after eight, at the time of deep blue twilight, and her entrance into Faust’s chambers seemed to be accompanied by a pink spotlight that hovered around her as she darted here and there, exclaiming over his alchemical equipment, gazing with wonder at his books and manuscripts, and, with her womanly and sweet-smelling presence, spreading an air of general wellbeing withal. Faust’s good spirits were tempered only by his sense of loss and outrage at the criminal carelessness of the infernal powers. Mephistopheles had apparently not even asked the impostor for any identification! He had just taken him at his word! It was outrageous.*

.....

Faust is upset he was not taken and that an imposter is now with Mephistopheles. However, the scholar will not give up so easily. He tells Marguerite of his problems and she encourages him to go an look for the demon. She is also motivated by greed.

“What a wonder it would be,” she said, “if you could regain the riches that Mephistopheles was no doubt going to offer you. For then, if you had a girlfriend, you could shower her with largesse and other fine gifts, and her appreciation of these things would bring you much pleasure.” “I suppose that’s true,” Faust said, “though I never before thought of it that way. But speaking of gifts, have you ever seen this one?” And he took a copper ring and spun it in the air and muttered certain words and the ring came down shining with the white fire of a diamond, though it was only a zircon in this....."*

*Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

Marguerite and Faust fly in search of the demon. Of course, Faust is an alchemist so we can pull of sorts of tricks.  They run into Azzie, who is hurt because he had not been selected as the champion of the bad. You know things are going to get more complicated from this point.

Faust looked up and saw Azzie, the demon to whom Rognir had been alluding, standing beside him. “How could you overhear me?” Faust said. “I spoke in a whisper.” “Demons always know when someone is talking about them. You’re wondering about that parchment? I’ll tell you. Mephistopheles has been put in charge of the Millennial games that will decide the destiny of mankind for the next thousand years. They chose him rather than me. And me a two-time winner! He and Michael have agreed that Mephistopheles will put Faust into five situations, and the choices he makes will be judged as to Goodness or Badness, outcome, and motive, by Necessity, whom we know as Ananke.”

But I am Faust!” Faust cried. “Mephistopheles has gotten .the wrong man!” Azzie eyed him. His bright fox eyes narrowed, and his ruddy demon’s body took on a tension that a skilled observer, had one been present, might have found significant.*

*Quoted from If at Faust You Don't Succeed by Roger Zelazny and Robert Sheckley

To conclude, this is a wonderfully funny fantasy novel that does not take itself too seriously most of the times, but is still surprisingly deep and philosophical at times. I do recommend. 

Do you want to read more of Roger Zelazny? Here are my reading recommendations. 

7 NOVELS TO READ BY ROGER ZELAZNY

1) THE ISLE OF THE DEAD 5/5

Published in 1969, it was nominated for Nebula award for the best novel. While The Isle of the Dead didn't win the Nebula award that year, it did win the French Prix Apollo in 1972. It is one of those science fiction novels that are worth the hype. I immensely enjoyed reading it and would recommend it (especially to the fans of this genre and writer). 

2) EYE OF CAT 5/5

 Set in future, Eye of Cat is centered on a Navayo protagonist Billy Singer.  Larger than life protagonists are what Zelazny writes best and Billy is certainly such a character.  A novel also needs a plot. Therefore, the galaxy's most celebrated and skilled hunter, i.e our Billy Singer, find himself faced with a challenging task. I'll go into more detail into my review, but for now I can say that I really enjoyed this novel. The only downside to this novel that I can think of is that it doesn't include a cat character. In that sense, the title is somewhat misleading. On the other hand, the intelligent alien character nicknamed Cat is quite cat-like in some ways, so feline lovers needn't be too disappointed.

 3) LORD OF LIGHT 5/5

This novel is basically a story of a human colonization of an unknown planet. A spaceship filled with human crew arrives to an untouched planed. The crew conquered the planet, labeling the intelligent life forms demons and establishing themselves as sole rulers. Their technology soon enables them to live forever and they model themselves after gods in Hinduism. Only one man stands in opposition and that man is one of the original crew. 

“His followers called him Mahasamatman and said he was a god. He preferred to drop the Maha- and the -atman, however, and called himself Sam. He never claimed to be a god, but then he never claimed not to be a god.”

4) THIS IMMORTAL 5/5

THIS IMMORTAL (SERIALIZED AS ....AND CALL ME CONRAD)

Originally this novel was abridged by Zelazny and published in The Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy in October and November 1965 under the title ...And Call me Conrad.  Most cuts made for the version published in installments were restored when it was published as a single novel under the title This Immortal. The author later on went to say that he preferred the original title. The novel is set in the future in which planet Earth numbers only 4 million human inhabitants and is filled with many dangers, such as mutant monsters and animals that often resemble those from Greek mythology. Earth's government is heavily influenced by an advanced alien race known as Vegans who see planet Earth as a tourist attraction.

This Immortal (aka ...And Call me Conrad) is a science fiction novel that manages to be subtly philosophical, delightfully funny and wonderfully poetical.  It's really a gem of a novel that gives an interest spin on classical science fiction theme of the first contact and the future of humanity. The mythological elements of the novel create an interesting link with human history and culture. 

5) A NIGHT IN LONESOME OCTOBER 5/5

Such a brilliant and unique book! The writing is simple but at the same time poetical. Narrated by a watchdog Sniff whose owner is Jack (the Ripper), the story is extremely engaging. Snuff makes for a fantastic protagonist of the novel. Right from the start, we learn that Snuff was something else prior to being 'summoned' by Jack to perform the duty of a watchdog- exactly what Snuff was is somewhat of a mystery. A demon or a mythological creature of some kind? I think this little detail Zelazny throws in right at the start makes all the difference. Snuff is very believable as a dog and it is great to follow the story from his perspective, but then when Snuff gets all poetical that makes sense too, because he is MORE than a dog.

6) IF AT FAUST YOU DON'T SUCCEED BY ROGER ZELANZY AND ROBERT SHECKLEY 4/5

7) DAMNATION ALLEY, A NOVEL BY ROGER ZELAZNY

Originally envisioned and published as a novella in 1967, Damnation Alley was republished as a novel in 1969. Now, I haven't read the original novella, so I cannot compare the two, but I did a bit of research before I started writing this review. What I found is that Zelazny decided to turn his novella into the novel Damnation Alley only on insistence from his publisher. It seemed Zelazny wasn't completely satisfied with it and preferred the novella.  As I said, I haven't read the original novella so I really cannot compare. 

8)  UNICORN VARIATION, a short story by Roger Zelazny where the protagonist is inspired by George R.R Martin!

I enjoyed reading this short story a lot! Not just because I love unicorns. It's a well plotted short story that revolves around a chess game played by the protagonist Martin and an unicorn. So, obviously this story has a fantastical element. The unicorn in question is a fantastic chess player. The protagonist Martin was inspired by George R.R. Martin. Being a reader of Martin's blog, I knew that the these two writers knew one another, but I didn't know that Zelazny devoted a story to Martin. 

Anyhow, unicorns are an important theme in Zelazny's writing and they play an important part in his Amber series. Like in his Amber series,  unicorns in this story story have powers as well. Powers they can use both for good and the bad.

The devastating effect the human kind has had on the environment as well as the disappearance (extinction) of species has left place for mythological beings from the 'morning land' to appear. Some mythological beings, such as Jeti, have begun to appear.

The protagonist of this story finds himself in an abandoned saloon after doing some wondering. There he happens upon an unicorn. Martin and unicorn get acquainted.  The unicorn is black and has an aura of power that fascinates Martin. Apparently, this unicorn enjoys chess games.

As they converse, the unicorn tells Martin that the end of human species might be near. The unicorn might play his hand at this. It is not exactly that the unicorn can destroy the humankind, but he can help the humankind destroy itself by aiding its efforts.

THE KITE RUNNER BY KHALED HOSSEINI 3.4/5

“I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the frozen creek. That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.”*

I must admit to having somewhat mixed emotions about this book. I liked it a lot, but I still had some issues with it. Since it was the debut novel of Hosseini, one  is not surprised that is not exactly polished writing. That is perfectly alright. Sometimes you like the book, just not all of it. Sometimes a novel is captivating, but still has its flaws. Such is the case with this book. It's a powerful but in some ways a flawed narrative. Still, it is a very touching read. This quote:  “There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood.” sums up a lot of tragedy that is found in this novel.

“And this is what I want you to understand, that good, real good, was born out of your father's remorse. Sometimes, I thing everything he did, feeding the poor on the streets, building the orphanage, giving money to friends in need, it was all his way of redeeming himself. And that, I believe, is what true redemption is, Amir jan, when guilt leads to good.”*

Basically, we read the life story of Amir, now a grown man living in the United States. His childhood in Afghanistan was a traumatizing one. He has to deal with the guilt of not helping his childhood friend during an assault. His father's favouring of the childhood friend (a servant of theirs) is what makes the emotions more complex and perhaps the guilt deeper. The protagonist has had a difficult relationship with his father. So, the themes of parenthood and family are also explored in this novel. This novel was described as a story of redemption. 

“One time, when I was very little, I climbed a tree and ate these green, sour apples. My stomach swelled and became hard like a drum, it hurt a lot. Mother said that if I'd just waited for the apples to ripen, I wouldn't have become sick. So now, whenever I really want something, I try to remember what she said about the apples.”*

My main issue with The Kite Runner was with Amir- the protagonist (narrator of this book. I felt that Amir lacked in the character development department. Not that Amir was the only one. Moreover, all the characters seemed a bit distant and some of them just weren't developed that well. I could sense their emotions at times, but the actions of characters didn’t always make sense.

“That same night, I wrote my first short story. It took me thirty minutes. It was a dark little tale about a man who found a magic cup and learned that if he wept into the cup, his tears turned into pearls. But even though he had always been poor, he was a happy man and rarely shed a tear. So he found ways to make himself sad so that his tears could make him rich. As the pearls piled up, so did his greed grow. The story ended with the man sitting on a mountain of pearls, knife in hand, weeping helplessly into the cup with his beloved wife's slain body in his arms.”*

That being said, the emotions felt real, even if characters sometimes remained distant. This is definitely a novel that made me 'feel' things and that is always a good thing. I could definitely feel for the characters, even when their actions frustrated me. I must admit that at times I was even frustrated with the characters' actions. 

“In his rearview mirror, I saw something flash in his eyes. "You want to know?" he sneered. "Let me imagine, Agha sahib. You probably lived in a big two- or three-story house with a nice backyard that your gardener filled with flowers and fruit trees. All gated, of course. Your father drove an American car. You had servants, probably Hazaras. Your parents hired workers to decorate the house for the fancy mehmanis they threw, so their friends would come over to drink and boast about their travels to Europe or America. And I would bet my first son's eyes that this is the first time you've ever worn a pakol." He grinned at me, revealing a mouthful of prematurely rotting teeth. "Am I close?"
Why are you saying these things?" I said.
Because you wanted to know," he spat. He pointed to an old man dressed in ragged clothes trudging down a dirt path, a large burlap pack filled with scrub grass tied to his back. "That's the real Afghanistan, Agha sahib. That's the Afghanistan I know. You? You've always been a tourist here, you just didn't know it.”

The main character (and the narrator) Amir is so hard on himself for things he had done. Amir beats himself up and yet he waits so agonizingly long to do anything about his past wrongs. It often feels like too little, too late if you know what I mean.

“I loved him in that moment, loved him more than I'd ever loved anyone, and I wanted to to tell them all that I was the snake in the grass, the monster in the lake. I wasn't worthy of this sacrifice; I was a liar, a cheat, a thief. And I would have told, except that a part of me was glad. Glad that this would all be over with soon. Baba would dismiss them, there would be some pain, but life would move on. I wanted that, to move on, to forget, to start with a clean slate. I wanted to be able to breathe again.”*

 Realizing that Amir was just a child desperately craving the love of his father when some things happened, it is hard to judge him. However, some aspects of his character are annoying. Why did he wait for so long so set things right? 

“A part of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I wouldn't have to live with this lie anymore. But no one woke up and in the silence that followed, I understood the nature of my new curse: I was going to get away with it.”

Some aspects of Amir's character seem to remain hidden. Why did Amir suddenly become religious for example? Just out of fear for the life of someone he loves? Does he really think that following customs will make him a better man? Who is he at the end of the novel really? Is he a changed man?

"....I see now that Baba was wrong, there’s a God, there always had been. I see Him here, in the eyes of the people in this [hospital] corridor of desperation. This is the real house of God, this is where those who have lost God will find Him, not the white masjid with its bright diamond lights, and towering minarets. There’s a God, there has to be, and now I will pray, I will pray that He forgive that I have neglected Him all of these years, forgive that I have betrayed, lied, and sinned with impunity only to turn to Him now in my hour of need, I pray that He is as merciful, benevolent, and gracious as His book says He is. [...] I hear a whimpering and realize it is mine, my lips are salty with the tears trickling down my face. I feel the eyes of everyone in this corridor on me and still I bow to the west. I pray. I pray that my sins have not caught up with me the way I'd always feared they would.”*

Nevertheless, there were many things about this novel I liked, such as the fact that the writing style is fairly simple and easy to read. It somehow suits the complexity of the story. Amir's retelling of growing up with Hassan somehow turns into something quite complex, something as complex as life itself. 

It is not just a story about treason and redemption. It is also a story about a country, a nation, a tradition, social status, politics, and finally, as it often does, it comes down to the fight between right and wrong. 

“Men are easy,' he said, fingers tapping on his mahogany desk. 'A man's plumbing is like his mind: simple, very few surprises. You ladies, on the other hand...well, God put a lot of thought into making you.”

Another way I experienced The Kite Runner is as a novel about war. Although the war ( or wars to be more precise)is in the background, it is still an essential part of the story. 

It is interesting how the war affects everyone, even those who escape it or do not witness it directly. Despite the fact that the narrator escapes Afghanistan, he cannot escape the war. Perhaps no one ever can. War has such devastating consequences. War is like inner bleeding. You may not feel it or see it, but you'll be hurt by it eventually.

This is a novel that tells a lot about the worst and the best in people, in time of war or peace, and does so in a human way. For that alone, it is worth reading. 

The plot is not always convincing, but honestly that did not bother me too much. It was just that the ending left me a bit disappointed as did Amir himself. 

Even in the end you have a feeling that there are secrets still, that none of the major characters is completely revealed. But that is life. Perhaps that's why this novel seems so real. Nevertheless, at the same time I expected a bit more from story that promised such complexity. 

To conclude, The Kite Runner is in many ways a beautifully written, emotional and complex novel, but it is not without its flaws.

Memorable quotes from the novel

One of the quotes that stayed with me is the one about every kind of sin being a theft of some kind. This passage is by an older man who serves as a sort of a father figure for our protagonist. When the protagonist asks him why his father drinks alcohol when it is against their religion (that is islam), the man answers that the only real sin is theft.  

“There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. When you kill a man, you steal a life... you steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness... there is no act more wretched than stealing.”*

This quote about forgiveness is also wonderful: “I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded; not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.”*

This quote describes the relationship between Amir and his childhood friend Hassan perfectly. Hassan's first words were Amir. As an infant, Hassan was already a servant:

“Hassan and I fed from the same breasts. We took our first steps on the same lawn in the same yard. And, under the same roof, we spoke our first words.
Mine was Baba.
His was Amir. My name.
Looking back on it now, I think the foundation for what happened in the winter of 1975 —and all that followed— was already laid in those first words.”*

 *Quoted from The Kite Runner, a novel by  Khaled Hosseini

This is the Amazon summary of this novel if you want a more general description of the book:

 The #1 New York Times bestselling novel beloved by millions of readers the world over.

New York Times Readers Pick: 100 Best Books of the 21st Century

“A vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people [of Afghanistan] have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence—forces that continue to threaten them even today.”—The New York Times Book Review

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change and destruction. A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

 

Since its publication in 2003 Kite Runner has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic of contemporary literature, touching millions of readers, and launching the career of one of America's most treasured writers.

A CHARMING GROUP SUICIDE BY ARTO PAASILINNA 4/5

A Charming Mass (Group) Suicide is certainly an interesting read. Published 1990, this  Finnish novel by Arto Paasilinna can be described as a satirical black comedy. 

Now, this is such a wonderful and original novel! Written by a Finnish author I wasn't familiar with prior to reading this book (Arto Paasilinna), this novel absolutely charmed me. Oddly funny in a dark way, this is a story of a group of suicidal people who decide to commit suicide together. After the two individuals who had met and formed a Finnish suicide association of sorts gather a group large enough, they decide to travel. Once the group is finally together, they take a bus to tour around Europe with the intention of driving towards their final destination, where the mass suicide would eventually be carried out.

They all have their reasons for wanting to end their life. Some of them even have quite serious reasons and yet there is humour in this book (dark humour that is). It’s a funny reflection on one of the grimmest aspects life, one could say. As we follow these suicidal individuals we learn more about them. 

They embark on a long journey, slowly postponing the date of their suicide. At one point they get themselves a bus, an eventual means of their planned suicide (they want to drive themselves off the cliff) but first they decide to drive around the country. Friendships and love attachments are formed, as these lonely individuals find understanding and support in one another. 

However, will this excursion be enough to make them crave life or will they eventually commit suicide together? To conclude, this book was funny but at the same time respectful portrayal of suicidal people. I feel that it is especially relevant in today’s time and place. It might not be for everyone, but if you don’t mind dark European humour, you’ll definitely like it.

The work was heavy, but Vatanen liked that. He knew he was getting stronger, and he wasn’t weighed down by the thought of having to do this work till the end of his life.”

......

He had his own world, this one, and it was fine to be here, living alone, in his own way. The hare ambled silently along the trail ahead of the skier, like a pathfinder. Vatanen sang to it.”

Arto Paasilinna, The Year of the Hare: A Novel

Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a lovely day!