And the Mountains Echoed

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Sibling relationships (such as the relationship between Abdullah and Pari, or Parwana and her sister Masooma) form an integral part of the book. Why do you think that sibling dynamics can be so complex and nuanced? If you have siblings, how would you characterize your relationship with them? Has that relationship evolved over time?

2. Why does Saboor make the decision to sell his young daughter to a childless couple? Do you think that parents sometimes err while making decisions that they believe to be in the best interest of their children?

3. Parwana acts impulsively out of jealousy, and her action results in a terrible injury to her sister. To what extent is Parwana responsible for Masooma’s fate? Have you ever done something you regretted, and, if so, how did you cope afterwards?

4. Nabi initially considers leaving Mr. Wahdati when he realizes that his employer harbors romantic feelings for him, but he ultimately chooses to stay. Have you ever discovered a secret about someone you knew? How did this secret change your perception of them?

5. A number of characters eventually leave Afghanistan to emigrate to other countries. Have you or has someone you know ever moved to a new country? What were the motivations for doing so? What challenges arose as a result?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the novel depict the experiences of girls and women in Afghanistan? (Consider Roshi’s storyline in particular). How should the global community respond to regimes that systematically disenfranchise women?

2. How familiar were you with Afghani culture and history prior to reading this novel? Do you prefer to learn about different cultures through works of art (such as films and novels) or through more traditional sources, such as news articles and nonfiction? What are the advantages of reading novels set in places that may be very different from a reader’s experiences?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Discuss the symbolism of the feathers that Pari loves as a child. How does this symbolism change when she receives the box of feathers at the end of the novel?

2. Each of the novel’s chapters features a different narrator and a distinct storyline. Which chapter resonated with you the most, and why? 

3. A number of characters die by suicide or assisted suicide. Do these events create an overall tragic tone, or would you consider the book to be ultimately hopeful?

4. The novel depicts complex family dynamics, including concealed adoptions, blended families, and couples unable to have biological children. How do these family dynamics challenge or align with the cultural and religious norms of Afghanistan?

5. By the time that Abdullah and Pari are reunited, Abdullah can no longer remember his sister. Did you find the conclusion to be satisfying? What might the ending reveal about loss, memory, and the possibility of redemption?