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

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. Scroll down to see and read more!

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. 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 but 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 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.
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? 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.

THE KITE RUNNER BY KHALED HOSSEINI 3/5

I must admit to having somewhat mixed emotions about this book. I liked it a lot but I still had some issues with it. 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 weren't developed that well. I could sense their emotions, but the actions of characters didn’t always make sense.


That being said, the emotions felt real, even if characters sometimes remained distant. This is definitely a novel that made me 'feel' things. I must admit that at times I was even frustrated with the characters' actions. 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. 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? 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?
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. 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 but 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.

A CHARMING GROUP SUICIDE BY ARTO PAASILINNA 4/5

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. 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.

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