The Honey Thief
Fiction
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
This enchanting novel of interwoven legends burns with both gentle intelligence and human warmth
This extraordinary book, derived from the long oral tradition of storytelling in Afghanistan, presents a mesmerizing portrait of a people who triumph with intelligence and humor over the oppressions of political dictators and an unforgiving landscape.
A musician conjures stones to rise in the air and teaches his art to a mute child. Master Poisoner, Ghoroob of Mashad, has so perfected his craft that it is considered an honor to die from his meals. These are stories of magic and wonder in which ordinary people endure astonishing extremes in a world of bloodshed and brotherhood, miracles and catastrophes.
With lyrical wit and profound simplicity, The Honey Thief reveals an Afghanistan of greater richness and humanity than is conveyed in newspaper headlines; an Afghanistan not of failure and despair, but of resilience and fulfillment.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Mazari and Hillman's second collaboration (after The Rugmaker of Mazar-eSharif) is an homage to the richly folkloric Afghani culture. The collection of linked stories focuses on customs and legends spanning centuries of the Hazara people. "In Afghanistan, memories are not made of air and light and colour; memories are made of iron and stone." A poor young man, in "The Life of Abdul Khaliq," is rumored to have slain a king. Karim Zand, of "The Music School," is a "mad" inhabitant new to the area. When his neighbors discover the otherworldly music he plays on his rubab (a lute-like instrument originally from Central Asia), they gather around his house. He angrily demands to be left alone, but a mute teenager feels a connection to the music and determines to learn the difficult instrument, despite the obstacles. "The Cookbook of the Master Poisoner Ghoroob-e-astab of Mashad" is about a wily poisoner whose masterful concoctions are "almost an honor to die from." At the urging of the prince's bodyguards, he agrees to share recipes that might shield royalty. This entertaining tapestry of myths from Mazari and Hillman will shed light on the Hazara people and their backgrounds. Recipes.
