canadiyank's review against another edition
Published just after 9/11 this is a snapshot of an Afghani family, headed by, not surprisingly, a bookseller. The descriptions of clans, religious differences, wars, invasions, etc. and how they affected the family were very interesting to me. Although presented as non-fiction, it is written in a memoirs style and comes across as embellished at times. I'd be interested in reading a follow-up with the family as it's been nearly ten years.
ricefun's review against another edition
4.0
For my final challenge to complete 50 Challenges in the Two Sister’s Reading Challenge I chose a translated book off of my own shelf. I read several reviews of The Bookseller before picking it up, and they were mixed at best. Much of the negativity about this book is based in the story line and family dynamics as portrayed by Seierstad. Readers were dismayed that she could portray a culture that was so deeply misogynistic and bias toward one member of the family. I appreciated knowing those criticisms before beginning the book.
While I expected the story to be more about Sultan’s love of books, as he is a book seller, the story instead is a window into the life of one family living in post 9/11 Kabul, Afghanistan in the midst of American military presence alongside government and warlord leaders. I was so deeply sad for the characters of the story, both women and men, who wish to grow and learn but are completely imprisoned because of their social and geographical birthright. Paradoxically, I appreciate that Seierstad did not attempt to impose Western/American values into a culture that is vastly different and therefore manifests its bias differently than Americans do. For anyone wishing to gain a deeper global perspective, this is a fantastic snapshot of one particular story among thousands of unique middle-eastern experiences.
While I expected the story to be more about Sultan’s love of books, as he is a book seller, the story instead is a window into the life of one family living in post 9/11 Kabul, Afghanistan in the midst of American military presence alongside government and warlord leaders. I was so deeply sad for the characters of the story, both women and men, who wish to grow and learn but are completely imprisoned because of their social and geographical birthright. Paradoxically, I appreciate that Seierstad did not attempt to impose Western/American values into a culture that is vastly different and therefore manifests its bias differently than Americans do. For anyone wishing to gain a deeper global perspective, this is a fantastic snapshot of one particular story among thousands of unique middle-eastern experiences.
mrspenningalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this book. The author lived in Afghanistan with the family it focuses on, and as a female, was able to speak with both genders easily because of her being a Westerner. I wanted more stories about the bookseller and his sacrifices and less details about his extended family. While it was incredibly interesting, I felt like the author came in with her own biases and judgment, which felt uncomfortable reading about this family she had tea with every day.
That being said, I found the historical events fascinating and easier to understand than otherAfghanistan historical fiction. I really appreciated the customs and cultural details surrounding this family and their beliefs. The way they went around the Taliban in Pakistan to publish illegal books. The hatred for Rushdie whom I have always had an American view of. It was a good read; I just had hope of it being better.
That being said, I found the historical events fascinating and easier to understand than otherAfghanistan historical fiction. I really appreciated the customs and cultural details surrounding this family and their beliefs. The way they went around the Taliban in Pakistan to publish illegal books. The hatred for Rushdie whom I have always had an American view of. It was a good read; I just had hope of it being better.
phoemela's review against another edition
4.0
The Bookseller of Kabul is a detailed, journalistic portrayal of an Afghan bookseller and his family enduring various occupations and afflictions of their nation. Having read this, I am sympathetic to the women of Afghanistan, of how they are robbed of rights, choices, and dreams which still persist today. I have always been curious and wanted to read about Afghanistan and I'm very pleased I bought this at a used bookstore because it gave me the information I needed to augment my understanding of Afghanistan's culture, the wars, and its people.