The Little Coffee Shop Of Kabul (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
What I really enjoyed about this book was that while it is nothing more than chick lit, it touches on some really serious issues. Set in current day Afghanistan we see the oppression that many women still face, and just how corrupt the system is. Not only are women treated horrifically, we also see how the swing of politics and the influence of the Taliban changes things. I even found myself in tears at one point involving a suicide bomber, but I don't want to say any more and ruin it for you. However there were also many happy moments which helped to balance things out.The most important thing for me is that this quite possibly highlights what life is really like in Kabul as the author has lived there herself giving everything a more real touch. I’ve been enjoying this novel immensely so am taking my time with it so I was annoyed to read a review stating “ as if Maeve Binchy had written ‘The Kite Runner". That is so insulting to Deborah Rodriguez who wrote her book – an in part humble and powerful tale - her way for her reasons. No matter who wrote it, this novel stands on its own as a tale of women banding together in the eponymous Coffee shop. Two women from Afghanistan and three from the west. The stakes are high and the undercurrent of fear in this tumultuous region of the world bubbles the story along.As usual with tales of horrendous injustice which we know to be true, the novel makes this reader angry but at the same time the wisdom of ancient religions gives poetic balance to appreciate life where and when it is and not just how we want it to be. I also think so much life and so many stories could be spun out Rodriguez' characters' history. Her older lovers and all the letters written could fill another novella, in the least. The characters are worthy of greater attention when/if time allows. Bob Scheer. November, 2014
What do You think about The Little Coffee Shop Of Kabul (2000)?
The best character in the book: Ahmet, the young Afghan man. Enough said.
—popples
Really enjoyed it - must be a sucker for "chick-lit"
—ayam
Extremely enlightening about the Afghan culture!
—Kay
