The Bookseller of Kabul 11.9.08

After finally getting through a large chunk of my book, I feel as if I have witnessed the growth and development of each character. This growth is especially emphasized in the chapters I just finished, in which Seierstad follows Mansur, Sultan's son, on his New Year's pilgrimage to Ali's tomb in Mazar-i-Sharif. As the new year approaches, thousands of Muslims have gathered here to ask for forgiveness of their sins and be healed to welcome the new year.
Mansur was once just a young fellow working in his father's bookstore, but very quickly matures from a young, misbehaving boy to a balanced and responsible man. His epiphany comes after becoming disgusted with himself for sinning against a child by standing quietly aside while his book selling neighbor abuses a young girl. He transforms his shame and disgrace into an incentive to go on the pilgrimage. Although Sultan doesn't allow it, Mansur believes if Ali really wants him to go, signs will be given to prove it. Low and behold, Mansur receives his signs. He is able to take the trip along with two other young men as they make the trip through mine covered mountains and dangerous villages. Once arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif, the experiences Mansur has are heart warming. He feels like a happy child, finding it difficult to control his emotions yet somehow manages, while bustling along through the holy city. He attends prayer and asks for forgiveness, but does however forget the little girl from back home. Despite his one minor mistake, he continues feeling invigorated by the city and all the food, shopping and religious aspects of the whole trip. His growth from a little boy in the bookstore to the grown man who takes the religious pilgrimage is truly amazing and he takes as much back as he can from experiences to education.