When the Moon Is Low

This book was a full five stars until the end. I have to admit, I don't quite know what happened. I would normally dismiss a book for an unsatisfactory ending, but this one was different.
It somehow worked.
A family committed to Afghanistan, stayed too long in the country, and had to flee. Their journey is rife with problems as refugees, the least of which is the separation it forced them to endure.
But why I can live with the ending is because Saleem was just so amazing. His growth from child to man was beautifully told. His drive for family, admirable. I couldn't get enough Saleem.
One the surface the mother was strong, but expending her strength wore on her and I think her arc was beautiful and tragic.
An interesting look also at the plight of many forced to leave Afghanistan when the Taliban first took power. In light of the Taliban's takeover again, this book–although fictional–sheds light on a country in turmoil and a sex oppressed.