Have decided to tackle the Read the World Challenge, where you read a book by an author from each country in the world. I’m going alphabetical by country, limiting myself to the 193 member states of the UN, and including a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. First four books finished:

Afghanistan – A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become intertwined through war, loss, and a shared abusive husband in Kabul, Afghanistan, spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The book explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience as the women endure decades of conflict, including the Soviet invasion and Taliban rule, forming a powerful bond that becomes a source of strength and hope. Rating: 5/5

Albania – The Palace of Dreams by Ismail Kadare
Set in a mythical Ottoman Empire, that allegorizes totalitarianism through a vast bureaucracy that collects and interprets citizens’ dreams to control the state. The story follows Mark-Alem, a young man from a noble family, as he rises through the ranks of the “Palace of Dreams,” a Kafkaesque institution where dreams are analyzed for “master-dreams” that reveal the future, leading to paranoia and political disaster. Rating: 4/5

Algeria – The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud
Retells the story of Albert Camus’ The Stranger from the perspective of the unnamed Arab man murdered by Meursault, giving him the name Musa. Narrated by Musa’s brother, Harun, the book serves as a postcolonial response to Camus, giving a voice to the victim and exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and the legacy of history in Algeria, while also acting as a dialogue with Camus’ work. Rating: 3/5

Andorra – 32 Yolks: From My Mother’s Table to Working the Line by Eric Ripert
A memoir by acclaimed chef Eric Ripert, co-written with Veronica Chambers, detailing his journey from a difficult childhood in France to the demanding kitchens of Paris, culminating in his move to the United States. The book covers his early life in Andorra, the loss of his father, his escape into cooking, and his rigorous training under legendary chefs like Joël Robuchon, exploring how food became his solace and calling amidst personal hardship and the brutal pressure of high-end restaurants. Rating: 4/5

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