A review by kathleenitpdx
The Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam

4.0

The story of a British doctor who married an Afghan woman and has lived many years near a small town in Afghanistan. He befriends a Russian woman who has come in search of her brother, who disappeared during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. The characters back-stories cover much of years of war that the country has endured, including the current rivalry between two local war lords, who have sided with various actors in the country. The book is full of wonderful images--the books nailed to the ceiling of the house whose rooms are painted with images representing the senses, and the stone Buddha head uncovered in the perfume factory. I like that the doctor's house has gained some safety by the story of djinns invented by the local inman. A beautiful and engaging book.