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Title: Too much stringing along
Review: The only saving grace for this novel is that it provides, during the first half at least, an interesting insight into life in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban's regime. I have no way of knowing how accurate this insight is but I take it on faith that it is reasonably so. Aside from this Hosseini's novel is far too contrived and manipulative for my liking. The author cynically uses one cliché after another to advance the unconvincing story. He seeks, unashamedly, and at every predictable plot turn, to elicit an emotional response from the reader. I also found Hosseini's writing style to be rather hackneyed and unimaginative. I wish I could be more positive, but frankly I'm amazed that such a formulated work has garnered such widespread praise.
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