Book Review of Little Coffee Shop of Kabul: A Touching Tale of Friendship, Culture and Survival

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez is a heartfelt story set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan. The story revolves around five women whose lives intersect in a small cafe in Kabul.

The book felt like a view of Kabul from the inside of a coffee house. It’s a touching tale of friendship, culture and survival. It’s a glimpse into the struggles of women in a male-dominated Afghan culture.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

“A touching tale of friendship, culture and survival.”

Check The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul on Goodreads

What Little Coffee Shop of Kabul is About

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul books takes you into the lives (actually, the hearts) of five women. These characters are – Sunny (the cafe owner), Yazmina (a young pregnant woman), Candace (a wealthy American), Isabel (a British journalist), and Halajan (an elderly Afghan woman who owns the cafe building).

The cafe isn’t just a business but a sanctuary for these women and many others. It’s a space for everyone to openly share their experiences. Through their journey of friendship and cultural hardships, the novel beautifully explores human bonding.

What Works

Deborah’s storytelling is both comforting and immersive, offering a peek into Afghan culture. The beauty of the novel lies not just in its vivid portrayal of Kabul but in the way it explores the complex lives of these women. The connections between the characters feel authentic, and their efforts; sincere.

This quote perfectly captures what to expect from the book:

“And for the next hour, Isabel talked about the possibilities, the complications, how […] they might just be able to pull off something brilliant that would save women's lives. And change their own in the process.”

The narrative unfolds slowly, yet each story is linked together to form a cohesive and touching tale. Each character is beautifully developed, with their own set of struggles and aspirations. The way they lean on each other, forging new friendships, makes it a moving novel.

The happy, sob-out-loud, emotional ending was the cherry on top.

What Falls Short

Just one thing – the extended wedding scene. It spans over 20 pages. Of course, this part is important, but it could have been trimmed down. It felt unnerving, especially when most other “incidents” were expressed in around five pages, maybe ten. It slightly disrupted my reading rhythm; my mental flow.

Who Should Read It

If you love stories of strong women characters, The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul is the perfect read. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates storytelling with talks about local culture. The book is a great pick also for those who enjoy emotional narratives around social issues.

Final Thoughts

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul is an emotional journey through the lives of five remarkable women. Deborah’s tender writing, combined with her portrayal of Afghanistan, creates a story full of heart and humanity. It’s not just a book about surviving in a harsh world—it’s about finding joy in the most unexpected places.

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