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A review by kba76
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A fascinating read, exploring the impact of war in Afghanistan. Evocative and definitely a book that will stick with me.
Our story focuses initially on Mariam, a young girl who is desperate to be accepted by her father who had her out of wedlock. He is ashamed of her, and when her mother commits suicide it’s the perfect opportunity for Mariam, at only fifteen, to be married off to Rasheed. She moves to Kabul and there is forced to become wife to a man who knows no love, who expects to be obeyed and who is desperate for a son. Her story is a sad one, and it’s hard not to feel admiration for the fortitude she shows in dealing with her hand in life.
Not far from Mariam lives a young couple who have a daughter, Laila. Blessed with the opportunity to get educated Laila wants nothing more than to marry her childhood friend, Tariq. When the Taliban comes to Afghanistan conflict becomes their life.
Showing the devastating impact of war on our characters hits hard. The descriptions of how Kabul changes and the way their lives are altered is tough reading, but very necessary.
Through an unlikely set of circumstances Laila is taken into Marian’s home and given the opportunity to also marry Rasheed. For her own reasons, she accepts. The dynamic between the two woman was fascinating, and the way their friendship develops was a real positive.
Hossein takes us through a range of events, all the time showing us the impact on our cast of characters. At times I was angry. At times I was sad. Throughout there was a strong sense of hope that I imagine is the only thing you can hold onto in such times.
Our story focuses initially on Mariam, a young girl who is desperate to be accepted by her father who had her out of wedlock. He is ashamed of her, and when her mother commits suicide it’s the perfect opportunity for Mariam, at only fifteen, to be married off to Rasheed. She moves to Kabul and there is forced to become wife to a man who knows no love, who expects to be obeyed and who is desperate for a son. Her story is a sad one, and it’s hard not to feel admiration for the fortitude she shows in dealing with her hand in life.
Not far from Mariam lives a young couple who have a daughter, Laila. Blessed with the opportunity to get educated Laila wants nothing more than to marry her childhood friend, Tariq. When the Taliban comes to Afghanistan conflict becomes their life.
Showing the devastating impact of war on our characters hits hard. The descriptions of how Kabul changes and the way their lives are altered is tough reading, but very necessary.
Through an unlikely set of circumstances Laila is taken into Marian’s home and given the opportunity to also marry Rasheed. For her own reasons, she accepts. The dynamic between the two woman was fascinating, and the way their friendship develops was a real positive.
Hossein takes us through a range of events, all the time showing us the impact on our cast of characters. At times I was angry. At times I was sad. Throughout there was a strong sense of hope that I imagine is the only thing you can hold onto in such times.