The Wasted Vigil

I looked at Nadeem Aslam's latest book several times in the bookstore. The cover picture - five delicious pomegranates (two cut in half) invite the browser. I picked it up and put it down several times, on several visits to different bookstores. Then, on my birthday in December, I got two copies. Aslam's Wasted Vigil is a delight to read. It's almost like a poem - lyrical and soft. The lives of many different kinds of people - old and young, men and women, Afghans, Americans, British, Russian - are all woven together in a tapestry of love, intrigue, hate and regret. Wasted Vigil is a tremendous insight into present day realities in Afghanistan. I have been in Afghanistan twice over the last four years and once for almost six months. I did not know too much about Afghanistan's socio-political history before I went there in 2004. The book makes it all come alive, in a lyrical way. There is a calmness in Aslam's style which is rich and powerful, gentle and kind, giving an intimate insight into the minds and hearts of all the characters - so well developed - right to the end. For all those wondering why things are the way they in today's global geo-politics, the book is a terrific read. For others, interested in poetry and literature, the book is an even finer read. Read the book!

This is a truly remarkable book. Beautifully, almost lyrically written. I first heard about it in a review on National Public Radio, was intrigued, and immediately ordered it. I'm glad I did. This is a strong 5-star book, and I won't be surprised if I hear that Nadeem Aslam is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for this wonderful, insight, searching book. No need for a long review; others will write them. My recommendation is that you must read this book!

It is a rare book that can bring so many amazing attributes to the telling of a life changing story. Aslam accomplishes much in this heartbreaking yet beautiful tale. Numerous books have been published over the last few years that have focused on the Middle East, the Taliban, Muslim Fundamentalists, and the general mistreatment of women and children in that part of the world. I honestly thought nothing new could be said, but Aslam has done a magnificent job of shining a new light on the mayhem and injustice. Taking place in today's Afghanistan, the story includes a diverse band of characters. An English ex-pat, his Afghani wife and daughter, and the stories from their village lend their voices to the tale. An American ex spy, the sister of a dead Soviet from the 80's, an American Special Forces agent, and a young jihadi infuse their backgrounds into the tapestry..each life is significant in creating the final image. The narrative is infused with the details and events of complex and often tragic lives. In his picture on the back cover of the book, Aslam looks to be under 30. His perception and understanding of the human spirit and ability to tell this story without prejudice has completely amazed me. He is too young to have accomplished this wise endeavor! All the characters pulled me into the story, but I was especially interested in the young terrorist. Casa's educational process was "devoid of literature, history and politics" and certainly helped to create this pitiless killer of innocents. He had been separated from his parents at a young age and had no contact with women. How can a soul develop when deprived of all the beauty and complexity that is life? The Special Forces character also revealed prejudices born of these terrible times. Specifically, his inability to see torture as an evil onto itself provided an insightful look at the viewpoint these men have as they try to protect and defend our freedoms. The cultures continue to clash with out much discussion or understanding of each other. This novel in all its melancholy softly protests the outcomes of war. It silently screams at the injustices that have become so prevalent through the actions of extremists and it lends a voice that quietly pleads for the splendor of different lands, traditions, and people to rise up and erase the evil that so often seems to triumph. It is after all our stories that show the truth and beauty that we were all created to celebrate.

No matter what your political persuasion, this book will provide you with a new perspective on Afghanistan. Through a simple, but compelling narrative story involving characters from diverse backgrounds, The Wasted Vigil reminds us of the oft forgotten cultural and human elements of Afghan society, including their interaction with other cultures. Similar to the movie Crash, The Wasted Vigil shows the interconnectedness of all who have been involved in Afghanistan. Many of the themes developed in this book can be applied to other countries as well.

Nadeem Aslam has woven exquisite beauty out of great tragedy. It is easy to fall into despair when dealing with the last 30 years of Afghanistan's history, yet Aslam not only navigates away from despair, he imbues this tragedy with both delicate beauty - both human and natural. This book is more complex than "A Thousand Splendid Suns," and should be read by anyone who loved that book and wants to move further...This is a remarkable novel to savor and linger over...