Rating: Summary: This is more a Drama based book than Thriller/Action Review:
Overall this is a mediocre story that revolves more around the dramas of developing relationships than the secondary thriller/action sub plot. If Tom Clancy is your 'cup of tea' then do not bother - you will only be dissappointed. As to the reviewer that said that this book showcases special forces or the espionage world - he is cracking jokes.
The book is extremely slow in places and is hard to get into. For example 50 (approx) pages to develop the relationship between two of the main characters whilst in a prison hospital goes too far. As for those that have described the ending as 'interesting' or a 'total suprise' need to read more. With the amount of medical terminology used it is very evident that this was written by doctor.
A generous 3 stars.
Rating: Summary: A wonderful reality based adventure-romance novel! Review: "Wilson's novel is an exciting, action packed mystery/adventure tale set in some of the most fascinating places in the world, ranging from Venice to Amsterdam, Seattle and Vancouver. It is, however, for its central locale, Afghanistan, that this work will be remembered for a long, long time.The plot involves bio-terrorism, the CIA, and the ongoing war. You feel as if you are reading current headlines with Taliban, al-Qaida, Mujaheddin, and other organizations racing through the pages in the non-stop action as the search for the ultimate weapon reaches across the world. The author weaves three love stories into his exciting plot. He even makes us believe (successfully) that an isolated cave, sealed and hidden in some of the most forlorn mountains of our planet can be a tremendously romantic hide-away for a pair of star-crossed lover. His descriptions of places are exciting and factually right on the mark. He takes us into these exotic worlds and we can almost taste the bread and the lamb stew; see the unusually decorated windows in Amsterdam; and sail the waters of Puget Sound. But it is his detailing of the characters, primary and secondary, that leaves an indelible mark on the page turning reader. He describes the motivations, the ancient histories still influencing these people as they love and kill across the pages. This is truly a window into a world that is almost every day in the newspaper headlines as even in Iraq, some of these influences are still extremely powerful. On a personal note, when I left Afghanistan earlier this year, I carried a lot of baggage of conflicting, sometimes horrible, images back with me. Images of a fifteen year old boy struggling to walk on his hands down a crowded street as both his legs were amputated; of smiling little girls begging for their parents; of soldiers inviting me to play soccer and laughing with me; of people who had nothing and yet were generous; of a little girl who, with tears in her eyes answered my question about her parent's fate under the unbelievably cruel Taliban. Dr Wilson's book places a perspective on these and other memories burned into me and for this I am grateful for his work. He takes us behind the headlines and into the minds of the people, whether they are Tajiks, Pashtuns, Pakistanis, or CIA. You will long remember and use this novel as a reference as our violent century unfolds around us. And, without giving away the ending, he performs an incredible sleight of hand at the end." Edward Altmann R.A.
Rating: Summary: A wonderful reality based adventure-romance novel! Review: "Wilson's novel is an exciting, action packed mystery/adventure tale set in some of the most fascinating places in the world, ranging from Venice to Amsterdam, Seattle and Vancouver. It is, however, for its central locale, Afghanistan, that this work will be remembered for a long, long time. The plot involves bio-terrorism, the CIA, and the ongoing war. You feel as if you are reading current headlines with Taliban, al-Qaida, Mujaheddin, and other organizations racing through the pages in the non-stop action as the search for the ultimate weapon reaches across the world. The author weaves three love stories into his exciting plot. He even makes us believe (successfully) that an isolated cave, sealed and hidden in some of the most forlorn mountains of our planet can be a tremendously romantic hide-away for a pair of star-crossed lover. His descriptions of places are exciting and factually right on the mark. He takes us into these exotic worlds and we can almost taste the bread and the lamb stew; see the unusually decorated windows in Amsterdam; and sail the waters of Puget Sound. But it is his detailing of the characters, primary and secondary, that leaves an indelible mark on the page turning reader. He describes the motivations, the ancient histories still influencing these people as they love and kill across the pages. This is truly a window into a world that is almost every day in the newspaper headlines as even in Iraq, some of these influences are still extremely powerful. On a personal note, when I left Afghanistan earlier this year, I carried a lot of baggage of conflicting, sometimes horrible, images back with me. Images of a fifteen year old boy struggling to walk on his hands down a crowded street as both his legs were amputated; of smiling little girls begging for their parents; of soldiers inviting me to play soccer and laughing with me; of people who had nothing and yet were generous; of a little girl who, with tears in her eyes answered my question about her parent's fate under the unbelievably cruel Taliban. Dr Wilson's book places a perspective on these and other memories burned into me and for this I am grateful for his work. He takes us behind the headlines and into the minds of the people, whether they are Tajiks, Pashtuns, Pakistanis, or CIA. You will long remember and use this novel as a reference as our violent century unfolds around us. And, without giving away the ending, he performs an incredible sleight of hand at the end." Edward Altmann R.A.
Rating: Summary: A PHENOMENAL SLEEPER, BUT NOT FOR LONG! Review: A friend of mine recommended Winter in Kandahar to me after hearing a special on the book and author on the Bill Bailey Show on National Radio Network. My friend knew I loved adventure novels and when I related to him my impression of the seeming paucity of good choices at present, he mentioned being facinated with the show. I owe you one, my friend! This is one of the best books I have ever read- period! It's a grand story that begins in a Northern Alliance stronghold just prior to 9/11 and, through the eyes of a young Tajik fighter, a CIA agent, and several other wonderful characters, takes the reader round the world on an adventure that spans the globe from Kabul to Rawalpindi to Amsterdam to Venice to Seattle to Vancouver to Karachi and ultimately back to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Each part of the book is a fast-paced adventure in its own right, with descriptions so detailed that I could "see" and "hear" the story as it unfolded. Character development is an enormous strength. There is great adventure and wonderful romance, all in the context of real-world events right out of the headlines, along with a wonderful finale that left me fullfilled in a way few books have accomplished. I must say that stories like Doctor Zhivago and The English Patient came to mind as I was reading through the pages almost nonstop for five days. This is an amazing sleeper of a novel, but I predict it will not be for long. As several other reviewers have noted, a grand, epic movie will surely follow. I can't wait to see it!
Rating: Summary: Winter in Kandahar Review: A good read! Once into it, no way to put it down. Captivating and totally absorbing with more than a few unexpected twists. Great for these times. Combines international intrigue with a compelling love story.
Rating: Summary: An exciting and compelling tale. Review: Action, intrigue, suspense, romance--this book has it all. In a well thought out plot with many twists and turns, the story takes the reader all over the world in an unpredictable series of events that make the book hard to put down. Beginning on the battlefields of Afghanistan, the author deftly paints a human face on the combatants. As the scene changes to Pakistan and later to the U.S and Amsterdam then back to the mideast, the reader is immersed in the culture and geography of each region. The Taliban, the al-Qaida, the Northern Alliance, the FBI, the CIA , a Pakistani prison, a hidden cave, a medical lab, a houseboat and a yacht are woven together to make for good reading. WINTER IN KANDAHAR is an exciting and compelling tale.
Rating: Summary: An excellent read and a credible love story to boot. Review: An excellent read. It's apparent that Dr. Wilson knows more than a little bit about that part of the world. I suspect that he has either done a heck of a lot of research or has spent a considerable amount of time in SW Asia - perhaps both. Of course, being a doctor his medical and research descriptions are, to my knowledge, very believable. His action description is believable in part because here too he is knowledgeable of proper terminology, etc. His character development is well done and he even manages a credible love story which generally is a flop in this genre. I'm looking forward to Dr. Wilson's next book.
Rating: Summary: Page-turner adventure-romance. Excellent! Review: As a retired attorney,World War 11 Naval Intelligence Officer , and Life Member of the Seattle Yacht Club , I found this fascinating story of Winter in Kandahar ,bordering on reality , a fiction story which will hold your attention to the last sentence. Roger E Dunham
Rating: Summary: Winter in Kandahar Review: As good as any action novel I've read. It is so timely and insightful. It amazes me how Wilson was able to acquire all that knowledge of Middle Eastern culture. I loved the ending!
Rating: Summary: Winter in Kandahar Review: Exquisite detail of a rugged countryside interwoven with remarkable ethnic contrasts between tribal groups. It is the beginning of a fascinating tale that moves to three continents and back again to Afghanistan. The plot involves heroic women and a scheme to target specific genetic groups with a newly created biological weapon. It is truly a great read with its execution of plot and character development and surprise ending.
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