Over the last two days I thought alot about where Bert is stationed. First, because I am reading Kite Runner and second, because I was in Tucson, Arizona and drove to Phoenix. The mountains, while not nearly as impressive as Bert's photos of Afghanistan, have that same sharp, barren look rising straight out of the sand. The flat land between the mountains, however, is dotted with evenly-spaced brush and cactus - almost as if the roots of each plant suck all the sparse moisture out of the soil so no other plant can grow within their radius. What was really weird was the dust devils - large swirls of sand moving like tornados along the flat land. Looking out the car window you could see a dozen or so in any direction. At first I thought they were smoke. Silly me! I can't imagine standing in the middle of one being pelted with sand. The sandstorms you describe must be something else! It's a very unfriendly landscape.
I am enjoying the book and would recommend it. It's a very touching, personal view of Afghanistan - so sad - and the first half speaks of a lavish pre-war life. The hotel I stayed at in Tucson was old and a sprawling hacienda-style retreat with lots of tile and corner fireplaces everywhere - each room different and down its own little path. It was built as a retreat for Hollywood celebrities in 1936 and it too is from a grander time. It used to be in the desert but the city has grown around it so now it's on a busy street in the midst of malls and megastores and fast food restaurants, etc. But inside the perimeter walls, it is peaceful and beautiful. In the book, the main characters love their home and the beautiful flowers and fruit trees and a garden inside their walled yard (before the Russian invasion). I can understand now why it was so precious to them.
Has anyone else read The Kite Runner? Please don't be shy about posting here, friends and relatives! We'd love to hear from you!
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