A Cup of Friendship

A Novel

De: Deborah Rodriguez

Narrado por: Mozhan Marnò

From the author of the “bighearted...inspiring” (Vogue) memoir Kabul Beauty School comes a fiction debut as compelling as real life: The story of a remarkable coffee shop in the heart of Afghanistan, and the men and women who meet there - thrown together by circumstance, bonded by secrets, and united in an extraordinary friendship.

After hard luck and some bad choices, Sunny has finally found a place to call home - it just happens to be in the middle of a war zone. The 38-year-old American’s pride and joy is the Kabul Coffee House, where she brings hospitality to the expatriates, misfits, missionaries, and mercenaries who stroll through its doors. She’s especially grateful that the busy days allow her to forget Tommy, the love of her life, who left her in pursuit of money and adventure.

Working alongside Sunny is the maternal Halajan, who vividly recalls the days before the Taliban and now must hide a modern romance from her ultratraditional son - who, unbeknownst to her, is facing his own religious doubts. Into the café come Isabel, a British journalist on the trail of a risky story; Jack, who left his family back home in Michigan to earn “danger pay” as a consultant; and Candace, a wealthy and well-connected American whose desire to help threatens to cloud her judgment.

When Yazmina, a young Afghan from a remote village, is kidnapped and left on a city street pregnant and alone, Sunny welcomes her into the café and gives her a home - but Yazmina hides a secret that could put all their lives in jeopardy. As this group of men and women discover that there’s more to one another than meets the eye, they’ll form an unlikely friendship that will change not only their own lives but the lives of an entire country.

Brimming with Deborah Rodriguez’s remarkable gift for depicting the nuances of life in Kabul, and filled with vibrant characters that listeners will truly care about, A Cup of Friendship is the best kind of fiction - full of heart yet smart and thought-provoking.

©2011 Deborah Rodriguez (P)2011 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

Advance praise for A Cup of Friendship: "Rodriguez paints a vivid picture of Afghan culture…as if Maeve Binchy had written The Kite Runner.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

“With a message…to protect and empower the women of Kabul, Rodriguez weaves her tale of life, death, and marriage…Readers will appreciate the in-depth, sensory descriptions of this oft-mentioned and faraway place that most have never seen.” ( Booklist)

“A superb debut novel…Rodriguez captures place and people wholeheartedly, unveiling the faces of Afghanistan's women through a wealth of memorable characters who light up the page.” ( Publishers Weekly)

A match for The Kite runner!

If you could sum up A Cup of Friendship in three words, what would they be?

Female - power, friends love

What other book might you compare A Cup of Friendship to and why?

The Kite runner! They both discuss Afghanistan and the people who lives there. This book addresses the female but unlike the follow - up to The kite - runner this leaves you with hope.The help: Also about friends and the fight for FreedomWho asked you? Same topic

What does Mozhan Marno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She gives each their true voice.

Who was the most memorable character of A Cup of Friendship and why?

Jack: A brave man who is not afraid to risk his life to save his female friends.

Any additional comments?

Totally wow - listen! Honesty, I have listened 20 times since buying it and I am delighted to say it still takes me to new levels.

Beautiful

Such a wonderful story. Very well written, and the narrator was perfect! Will look for more from the author and narrator.

A perfect first fiction on audible, no regrets

I was recommended to read this book and it was my very first audible fiction I read and the first one ever to actually have gone through the ending as I tend to easily get sick of books about half-way through. This was the first one I actually came to listen to every single day and just loved it, which made me feel like wanting to purchase the e-book version of the following series. Lovely storyline with detailed description of the traditional costumes, not very overwhelming explanation of the background which didn’t disturb reading it through without much of the cultural background of the setting. I loved it!

Loved this so much!

Enjoyed the audible of this book. Her voices for the characters really helped me keep them all straight.

Captivating

I loved the readers interpretation of the different characters voices. Brought them to life so convincingly. Thoroughly enjoyed the book, thank you!

A cup of friendship

This is a lovely little book and easy to listen to. I also learned a lot about Afganastan and the Taliban. The story is fairly predictable, but told in a way that was interesting and held my attention ... yes, even while driving on the Interstate. Perfect summer book.

Love it!!!!

What made the experience of listening to A Cup of Friendship the most enjoyable?

With so many words not familiar to an English speaker it was entertaining to hear how to pronounce them correctly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Cup of Friendship?

I can not pick just one. So many great sub plots.

What does Mozhan Marno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Of course Deborah Rodriguez writes the most amazing novels and I am waiting for her next, but I need to sign the praises of the narration. Mozhan Marno is a joy to listen to. She never screeches, always has a pleasant voice. Marno has a numerous accents down pat, and gives different characters their own cadence. Isabell sounds haughty, Yasminia sounds humble. What a joy! I will look for other books read by her!

If you could rename A Cup of Friendship, what would you call it?

I liked the original name. Cup of friendship doesn't tell me that it is about life in Afghanistan. If I wasn't looking for more books written by Deborah Rodriguez, I wouldn't have found this book.

Any additional comments?

Debbie, please write more books.

Colorful and heartwarming

A charming story about how a little coffee shop changed the lives of the many that frequented it.

Short and Educational

This book was chosen for our international Bookclub. Though short and a bit whatever regarding the love life of the coffee shop owner, I found the novel to be both eye opening and educational. Prior to this, I had no idea how Afghan women are treated until this very day. Quite sad and most unfortunate. Worth the time to read. Performance is great!

A story of what could have been

Back in the 70’s i fell in love with a high school foreign exchange student from Kabul. He proposed, my father said No. This story tells me so much of what could have been, and what would have been in those days.