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A review by astrireads
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini is an unforgettable story that immerses readers into the heart of war-torn Afghanistan through the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila. Hosseini’s lyrical prose captures their individual struggles, and reflecting those of Afghan women, while living under oppressive societal and political systems.
Mariam, the illegitimate child of a wealthy man, and Laila, a bright and hopeful girl whose life is shattered by war, are bound together by a tragic marriage to a cruel husband. Through Hosseini’s masterful storytelling, their deep bond emerges as they share strength and endurance to face unimaginable hardship.
The novel portrays the harsh realities of life under the Taliban and the brutal consequences of war. Hosseini’s afterword speaks to his hope that this novel will evoke compassion and empathy for Afghan women, and it undoubtedly does. Hosseini transports readers to the physical settings of Kabul and Herat, and allows us to experience the life of Mariam and Laila, who were thrown in a life full of suffering they did not choose. Readers will be moved by the courage and strength of Mariam and Laila, even in the darkest times, to find moments of beauty and grace - a thousand splendid suns shining through their pain.
This is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned, it will leave us with a deep empathy for the women of Afghanistan and frustration at how war can tore apart families and lives with no consequences to its perpetrators.
Mariam, the illegitimate child of a wealthy man, and Laila, a bright and hopeful girl whose life is shattered by war, are bound together by a tragic marriage to a cruel husband. Through Hosseini’s masterful storytelling, their deep bond emerges as they share strength and endurance to face unimaginable hardship.
The novel portrays the harsh realities of life under the Taliban and the brutal consequences of war. Hosseini’s afterword speaks to his hope that this novel will evoke compassion and empathy for Afghan women, and it undoubtedly does. Hosseini transports readers to the physical settings of Kabul and Herat, and allows us to experience the life of Mariam and Laila, who were thrown in a life full of suffering they did not choose. Readers will be moved by the courage and strength of Mariam and Laila, even in the darkest times, to find moments of beauty and grace - a thousand splendid suns shining through their pain.
This is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned, it will leave us with a deep empathy for the women of Afghanistan and frustration at how war can tore apart families and lives with no consequences to its perpetrators.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, and War