Come and chat to international bestselling author Khaled Hosseini about AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED, and all his previous books, Thurs 5 June, 9-10pm

[TillyBookClub]

Bookclub's webchat guest for May is a bit of a superstar and we're very excited...Khaled Hosseini, author of THE KITE RUNNER, is one of the most widely read and beloved novelists in the world, with over 38 million copies of his books sold in more than 70 countries. His latest novel, AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED, is an epic tear-jerker covering 50 years and featuring multiple characters, all connected to a father's terrible dilemma. It has all the elements of a classic Hosseini story, where war and conflict have disrupted families and sent shock waves through continents and generations. It is bitter-sweet and, as you'd expect, both heart-breaking and uplifting.

You can find out more on our book of the month page, or go to Khaled's US website for numerous videos about his career and excerpts from all his books.

Bloomsbury have 50 copies to give Mumsnetters - to claim yours please go to the book of the month page and fill in your details. WE'll post here when all the copies have gone.

We are thrilled that Khaled will be joining us to discuss AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED, his two previous books and his extraordinary life and career on Thursday 5 June, 9-10pm. So please feel free to discuss the book here throughout the month, pop up any advance questions and we will see you all here, Thurs 5 June.

[KhaledHosseini]

@CheeseEMouse

Thank you for my book. I love the style of writing, and am about half way through at the moment. Like cabster was very teary through the first chapter and I am finding myself getting a bit upset for the children. A sign that I am getting involved with the book, but I do sometimes wish for a little less sadness.

I have a bad habit of reading the final chapter of a book before actually finishing any book - I guess I like being reassured things will be ok...

As a writer, I am compelled to say how painful it was to read your comment! :)

[KhaledHosseini]

@LorrieJ

I have just started Nabi's story but have read some of the spoilers above.
My question is this:
How important is the concept of memory in your narrative for Abdullah and Pari in view of the opening tale with the mercy-giving potion? Do you consider their lack of memory at the end to be merciful or cruel?

Well, memory turned out to be one of the core themes of the novel, memory as guardian of all that we hold dear, as a tool to help us understand ourselves and make sense of our lives, as an integral part of what we think of as our identity. Our link to our past, our understanding of where we came from is so central to our making sense of who we are and where we may be headed. So the book opens with that theme, in a kind of poetic, lyrical and allegorical way, and then ends with it as well, though in a much more real life kind of way. As far as whether it was cruel or merciful, I am far more interested in knowing what you think. :)

[TillyBookClub]

We are running out of time already- just a few minutes more - I think there is just one question from LorrieJ that we haven't got to, if you're not already onto it - apologies if you're already about to answer..

[KhaledHosseini]

@HappydaysArehere

Hello Mr. Hosseini, had to take opportunity to tell you how much enjoyment your books have given myself and my family. From the superb Kite Runner, the fantastic Thousand Shining Suns I couldn't wait to buy a new book. I enjoyed this book but I really needed that Hollywood happy ending that you felt was inappropriate. I understand your explanation and thinking but when I finish a book I need to feel the characters are satisfactorily catered for! That's my fault, not yours and I forgive you dear author, giver of so much emotional pleasure. Thank you.

Understood! :)

[MissThang]

Khaled I love your books.

As a Muslim I get a lot out of them with regards to the characters. You've made me cry and keep these characters in my mind always, particularly Mariam and Sohrab and what happened to them in each story.

Keep writing x

[TillyBookClub]

That's all we have time for tonight and I think we managed to answer everyone's questions - thank you everyone for taking part and for your excellent discussion points.

Khaled, it has been such an honour to have you here and a real pleasure to hear you talk about your inspiration and your writing process. I'm in awe of how much you have done, and the incredibly powerful reach of your books. Good luck with your next project (am I quickly allowed to ask what you are writing at the moment?) and we can't wait to read whatever comes next.

Many, many thanks again and good luck with all your work.

[LorrieJ]

Thank you Khaled. My initial thoughts are that it is merciful to take away the pain of loss Abdullah has felt but that life for Pari and, indeed all of us, it is cruel that we cannot remember possibly the most magical time of our lives. I suspect I am committing an injustice to your work though and need to give this more thought! L

[sss2012]

Thank you for my copy. I just finished reading the book. Very good book. Really heartbreaking story. Well written. Thinking to buy his other books. Many thanks again for my copy.

[Andrews55]

Thank you so much for my copy of this wonderful book. I have just finished reading it, and found that, once I got into it, I couldn't put it down! I found the storytelling wonderful, and I was transported around the world from my home in Durham, following the lives of both Pari and Abdullah.
I shall be buying The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns to read on holiday.

[areyoutheregoditsmemargaret]

Thank you so much for this book and apologies for taking so long to read it, life just got in the way. I've read Khaled Hosseini's two previous novels and adored them and this was just as good. He really has an incredible knack of engaging the reader and making you care for his characters, also humanising a place which many of us know little about and even if we do know a bit, like Idris our concerns don't always translate into actions. The Idris section was my favourite btw.

I agree some sections worked better than others, I got a bit bored with Nila in Paris but overall it was tremendously compelling and I loved the way the ending was slightly messy and unresolved. Can't wait for the next novel but please don't be pressurised into rushing one out - take your time and we'll enjoy it all the more!