Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid Suns
Riverhead Books: 2007.
Heart
Own collection
Historical/Non-fiction
400 pages
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story about the frailty of strong men, and the strength of frail women. Khaled Hosseini tells the story of the harsh lives of two Afghan women who belong to two total different backgrounds but are forced to share the same unhappy household. The point of view perfectly narrates their lives in tragedies, sacrifices, cruelty and hardships. Just like Hossieni’s previous novel, The Kite Runner, the story is once again taking place in Afghanistan during times of was hardships, and is about the lives of Afghan women instead of men. The two women face rejection from their families and deal with their brutal husbands. They both suffer from domestic violence, and can only find love, companionship from each other.
The story is of two young girls, Mariam and Laila. Mariam’s repeated miscarriages have ruined all hopes for Rasheed to have a son; this has caused Mariam to live in a life of torture, and domestic issues. Unwanted, unloved Mariam kept this silent until Laila entered her life. Laila’s childhood sweetheart Tariq is being deported to Pakistan. The only way for her to not feel ashamed is that she too marries Rasheed, and later gives birth to a girl. Slowly, but surely the affection and friendship develops between Laila and Mariam. Their relationship grows so strong that it prevails all differences between them, and enables them to withstand the depravation, starvation, and the harsh brutality that is constantly around them. Miriam puts all this to an end one day when the meaning of true friendship is in her hands. Mariam left her memories in the hearts of other women, who were just like herself and Laila. Others consider Mariam as bright as the brilliance of a thousand splendid suns.
The book starts off very confusing, and takes sometime to really get into it. It’s not an easy read due to the vocabulary, setting and the history that goes into the story as well. However, this book really captures the way women are treated in other countries and makes you take your freedoms for granted. You also realize how lucky you are to be living in a country who is accepting of women. It’s a very emotional book, and has its moments of intense sadness, and its moments of cruel happiness. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who would love to learn more about the lives of other women, and the lives different cultures.
3 comments:
I saw the Movie The Kite Runner and it was excellent. This book sounds very sad but interesting. I love to learn about other cultures in other countries.
Although this story is about two young girls, i still feel like it would be an interesting read. I've always been puzzled by the beliefs of other cultures, especially with their social discriminations. Maybe by reading this book or The Kite Runner it could give me some insight into these extreme belief systems.
I would love to read this especially that it tells a story of another culture. THis should show a great way of how people live differently in thier own world. This would give me some good knowledge.
Post a Comment