A Thousand Splendid Suns
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After 103 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and with four million copies of The Kite Runner shipped, Khaled Hosseini returns with a beautiful, riveting, and haunting novel that confirms his place as one of the most important literary writers today.
Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once an incredible chronicle of thirty years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love. Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them-in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul-they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love, or even the memory of love, that is often the key to survival. A stunning accomplishment, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a haunting, heartbreaking, compelling story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love. |
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It's difficult to imagine a harder first act to follow than The Kite Runner: a debut novel by an unknown writer about a country many readers knew little about that has gone on to have over four million copies in print worldwide. But when preview copies of Khaled Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, started circulating at Amazon.com, readers reacted with a unanimous enthusiasm that few of us could remember seeing before. As special as The Kite Runner was, those readers said, A Thousand Splendid Suns is more so, bringing Hosseini's compassionate storytelling and his sense of personal and national tragedy to a tale of two women that is weighted equally with despair and grave hope.
We wanted to spread the word on the book as widely, and as soon, as we could. See below for an exclusive excerpt from A Thousand Splendid Suns and early reviews of the book from some of our top customer reviewers.--The Editors
We have arranged with the publisher to make an exclusive excerpt of A Thousand Splendid Suns available on Amazon.com. Click here to read a scene from the novel. It's not the opening scene, but rather one from a crucial moment later in the book when Mariam, one of the novel's two main characters, steps into a new role.
We queried our top 100 customer reviewers as of March 6, 2007, and asked them to read A Thousand Splendid Suns and share their thoughts. We've included these early reviews below in the order they were received. For the sake of space, we've only included a brief excerpt of each reviewer's response, but each review is available for reading in its entirety by clicking the "Read the review" link. Joanna Daneman: |
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| 06-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Afghanistan under the Taliban, says Eve Ensler in The Vagina Monologues, is a place where hating women is fully codified. Under the Taliban, women could not leave the house without a man, and even then they had to be covered from head to toe in a burqa; women couldn't work; they couldn't get medical treatment--the Taliban took over all the hospitals for the exclusive care of men. If a woman ran away from a brutal husband she was brought back home for his punishment. Any defiance brought beatings and sometimes death. These things, and more, happen to Mariam and Laila, the two main characters in A Thousand Splendid Suns.
The story begins during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan, and follows the rebel Mujahadeen movement that overthrew the communists. Welcomed at first as heroes by the people, the rebels quickly splintered into fighting factions (using weapons supplied by the U.S. for fighting the Russians), and the brutal Taliban emerged victorious. Within two weeks after occupying Kabul, the country's capital, they instituted Shari'a, a system of Muslim law under which women are treated worse than cattle. It is in Kabul that the lives of Laila and Mariam, two very different women with very different histories, intersect. Theirs is the story behind the history, the truth behind the above mentioned facts, the daily lives behind the daily headlines. This is the part of history they don't teach in school: the details of exactly how wars and movements affect real people. Knowing their stories makes the reader genuinely concerned about Afghanistan, more inclined to follow news reports as we worry about women like Mariam and Laila and their children. A Thousand Splendid Suns has made me feel for the Afghan people on a level deeper than newspaper facts ever can. Hosseini manages to inject hope, even redemption, into this tale of brutality and misery; the problem is that, in real life, there've been reports of a Taliban resurgence. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the Afghan Taliban is better organized today than it was in 2001, and they're recruiting new members all the time. Thus, I'm more worried than ever about the millions of Lailas and Mariams whose lives may again be imperiled. Rather than regret having gotten to know them, though, I wish everyone would read A Thousand Splendid Suns and get to know these women like I did. Maybe if we all worried a little bit more, we'd do something to change the terrible situation of women in Afghanistan. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-30 04:11:28 EST)
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| 06-26-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Just when you think you're left with nothing but cynicism from all the difficulties and pain in life, you come across a novel such as this and you find yourself marveling yet again...
It's not so much as a celebration of a woman's spirit, but a tribute as well to unshakeable hope and the humbling capacity of humans for sacrifice. Reading this novel, I can't help but feel thankful that I have not, so far, experienced the kind of oppression that women in Afghanistan ultimately suffered (at least, from my own standpoint, what I could discern as oppression...but who knows...). Between Mariam and Laila, it's difficult to decide who got it worse. At the surface, it's the former: born ostracized, poor, and, later, unable to bear children; whilst the latter is almost the complete opposite. But such differences pale in the face of a husband's despotism and a country's devastation. One would think that a person can just take so much, and, yet, these two never flagged. They drew strength from one another and from the selves they're left with after every blow from Fate. And always, there was that conviction to fight to survive, in the hopes of finally waking up to that day where the Afghanistan they knew comes back to them. All-in-all, this was another provocative story by Hosseini. I have to confess, though, that I loved The Kite Runner more. I don't take it against this novel--I guess I was unfairly hoping for a repeat performance of a flawless storytelling. Though still very dramatic, it's not as heart-wrenching-snot-dripping as the first (I'm afraid that's usually how I rate books). But that is just one reader's opinion. This is still a rewarding experience that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-28 02:19:06 EST)
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| 06-25-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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First I absolutely LOVED the Kite Runner. This book-not so much. ***spoilers*** I don't have a problem with the simplistic prose; my main issue with this novel is that the characters aren't as fleshed out like in the previous novel. I don't think the author write women protagonist as well as he does men. Mariam and Laila felt one dimensional. The timeline felt awkward and disjointed. Plus, I felt like I was being manipulated for the circumstance to fit where the author wanted me to go. Two women can't get rid of one man? C'mon, they cooked for him. Give him a little rat poison and claim he died in his sleep. Give me a break. Women are crafty when circumstances command it. With such lawlessness in Kabul, I don't understand why the wives couldn't just play dumb to the crime. The ending felt too pat as well. It's an easy read, but this sophomore effort fell short for this reader.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-28 02:19:06 EST)
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| 06-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the most beautiful stories I had ever read in my entire life. I believe women, especially, should pick this book up. It deffinetly opens your eyes and your hearts to the middle east and what that country's people have survived through.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-23 02:03:52 EST)
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| 06-20-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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A Thousand Splendid Suns, the novel, begins and ends with Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of a bitter woman with all-too-good a grasp of how men work.
Mariam has a tough life which only gets harder and harder under the influence of events over which she has no control. Had this book been set in Europe, people would have accused the author of ripping off Kafka. Instead, it is set in Afghanistan, and readers will instantly accept it. As a writer, Khaled Hosseini is even sharper in this novel than in The Kite Runner. He evokes more emotion, brings Afghanistan more in focus, and and succeeds in every way--in the novel. My gripe is that at one point the novel leaves Mariam behind and follows another woman, Laila. At this point, the story becomes slapdash. it includes an insiders view of the sub-continental view of September 11, 2001--something that seems as necessary to Afghani literature as Hula dancing is to tales of Hawaii. There was nothing wrong with this short story, but there was nothing special about it, either. It seemed like an adendum, and not a particularly welcomed one. If you are looking for a well-turned tale with the power to make readers feel and understand a slice of Afghanistan, read this novel. It's worth the effort. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-23 02:03:52 EST)
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| 06-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I read the Kite Runner before reading this one, and wasn't warned about all the feelings and emotions that book could lead you into! So I was afraid that A Thousand Splendid Suns would not have such an impact on me.... In a way, I was prepared to read an amazing, violent, terribly unjust but beautiful story (I was actually demanding it!), and I was not deceived! It should be number ONE in every best-books of 2007.
The story of the two women and all the things they have to put up with (war, being born on an unfair situation, etc) is told in a beautiful and moving manner. Another interesting aspect of this book is that it tells you a bit of the story of Afghanistan on the past decades, related directly to the main characters, and so it's very easy to understand how all this historical facts affected the people, which gives the novel an even more humanitarian scope then the story per-se. Both books by Khaled Hosseini are on the list of my favourites.... And I am looking forward to the next one :O) Thank you Khaled Hosseini again!!! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-21 01:10:31 EST)
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| 06-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a terrific novel. I think we need to read these types of books to understand the culture of certain arabic nations. It is also frightening to see just how fast the Taliban is taking over in some of those countries.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-21 01:10:31 EST)
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| 06-08-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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If you read and liked The Kite Runner (Riverhead Essential Editions), you must read this one. However, if you haven't read the previous novel, you can still read it. Compared to Kite Runner there are not sharp turning points, unexpected plot twists but there you will still be surprised. Mr. Hosseini provides that. It is certainly a good fiction. I am expecting to see the author's new novels to come. But you can also read it as a sound description of a country's recent past. I remember reading in news how Soviets retreated, what kind of optimism in many circles - even in Turkey- emerged and then the shattering of all that hope. The novels gives you a good idea of that feeling...
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 00:03:50 EST)
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| 06-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Like "Kite Runner," I just couldn't put it down. And, like "Kite Runner," when I was reading it I thought it was the best story I'd ever read. It's right up there. There's something about Hosseini's writing style--on top of the incredible stories he tells--that is perfect without ever being obtrusive. He just pulls you in from the first page, and you're in another world. Can't wait for more.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 00:03:50 EST)
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| 06-07-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I loved this book! While heavy and dark, it is a great read. I recommend it to everyone. As a woman, it changed my life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 00:03:50 EST)
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| 06-06-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is simply a book that must be read. The sentence construction is short and crisp, much like the life of the Mariam, the protagonist. The story spans about 40 years in the life of Mariam, the main character and Laila, a secondary character. The backdrop of the story is the city of Kabul and the recent history of Afghanistan. When we first meet Mariam, she is a 9 year old girl living in Herat (a city far from Kabul) in an banished existence because she is the illegitimate child of a prosperous businessman who, as it turns out, failed as a father to Mariam. Once Mariam's mother dies, there is nothing left to do but to marry the 14-year old Mariam to a 40-year old man from Kabul. And thus begins Mariam's nightmare, to be interrupted by an errant bomb that destroys 18-year old Laila's house and lands Laila into the same household, married to the now 60-year old man. Along with Kabul, Mariam's life degenerates into despair -- first by the mujahideen, who armed to the teeth by the US during the proxy war with Russia, turn their sights and US-provided weapons on the citizens of Kabul, and then by the Taliban, whose fanatic zeal denies women the right to even basic health care, leave alone education. I doubt there are many American or European -- or for that matter, Asian -- readers that have seen documentaries where women were routinely herded into the central Kabul stadium and summarily executed for negligible offenses like walking the streets without a male chaperon, even if the male is a 3-year old child! Such a summary execution awaits Mariam as well, though for different reason than roaming the streets all alone. I continue to be simply amazed at how the burden of collateral damage by the many wars in Afghanistan has been borne by the children and women, the two classes of society least prepared and most ill-equipped to deal with it. This was a sad book. When the reader is first introduced to Mariam, she is so full with young life and its resultant expectations. To see the society and culture trample on her in a manner that is shockingly commonplace for the women in Afghanistan is hard to fathom. It is worth remembering that even though what what Mr. Hosseini has written is fiction, it is, nevertheless, fiction grounded in reality (see also the Bookseller of Kabul, which I reviewed earlier and contains sad vignettes of life in Kabul.) There are parts of that book that will simply tear your heart out, and those same parts are repeated with chilling precision in this book. I recommend people to read this book, if for nothing than to pray to God for the countless souls lost in a place called Afghanistan
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-05-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I thought the Kite Runner was a heart rending story, but Khaled has proved that he is a master at weaving and pulling out the innermost of human emotions. The way the lives of Mariam, Laila, Tariq are interwoven is nothing short of mindblowingly exquisite. As you read, you could picture the very scene in such vivid detail, feel the emotions of the person in the scene, that its almost as if you are right there, in Afghanistan, among the bombs, in that age. The precocious daughter, Aziza, tears your heart apart, and you are almost ridiculously enraged at the things that such a small child has had to go through.
I found it very interesting that at the end of the story, in the final chapter, Khaled turns the narrative style to present tense "Tariq has headaches now", "She decides that now is the time to tell Tariq"... I am not sure yet exactly what the significance is, and although I can surmise many theories, I think it will take a bit of time for me to really understand the author's intentions... I would rate Khaled to be easily among the very best authors of the world... and this book is a MUST-READ !! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-05-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I have told everybody I know to read this book, I have bought 5 hard copies just for gifts. I believe every man woman and child should read this book and find out what goes on in Afghanistan. This is a powerful novel i can hardly wait until he writes his 3rd novel.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A real page turner. Grabs your attention from the start and you cant help but become attached to the characters
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I first read The Kite Runner and was amazed. I loved it deeply and felt really connected to the characters, and then I read this book. I honestly picked this book up and said, there is no way that it can be as good. I was right, it was better. This book is a fantastic journey with two exceptional women that I came to love and care for and feel connected to on some level. Every woman should read this book as we need to identify with our fellow women across the world. This book literally brought me to sobbing and I am not a sappy gal. Everyone that I have recommended this book to has absolutely loved it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is one of my favorite books ever!! I think I liked it even more than Kite Runner!! This is a must read for all who love to read!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:09:35 EST)
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| 06-03-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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Similar to The Kite Runner, Hosseini's latest novel deals with illegitimate children in an Afghanistan reeling from turmoil and change. This time, Hosseini focuses on the female perspective by recounting the lives of Miriam, an illegitimate daughter of a wealthy cinema owner and business man, and a woman named Laila, whose parents are killed in a rocket attack. Both women, in the span of 18 years, end up married to Rasheed, a shoemaker who ends up beating them both relentlessly. The women try to escape from their husband's rule. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the Soviet Union leaving Afghanistan and the subsequent Taliban takeover.
I ended up reading this book incredibly quickly, as the prose and the pacing is well done. You really do fly through everything. But what bothered me about the book was the same thing that bothered me about Kite Runner - everything seemed like it was written by someone who wanted to provide a perfectly balanced story that had to end in a somewhat neat package. Both of Hosseini's books, although filled with tragedy, telegraph the redemption that saves the newest generation. I can understand the desire to end on a hopeful note, but there is something too artificial about the way that Hosseini goes about executing his vision. Overall, this is a decent read, but one that does not live up to his previous outing. A Quote: "In that week, Laila came to believe that of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting." (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-05 14:14:00 EST)
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| 06-03-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I read this novel immediately after reading "The Kite Runner". I had not read the reviews, but selected it simply because it was written by the Kahled Hosseini. For those who want a happy tale and are averse to graphic brutality, this book may not be for you; unless you are willing to patiently hope to find redemption. In that respect, this novel mirrors life - redemption is not always obvious but it is generally there for those with the patience to hold on. The brutal treatment of the women in this story at first made me wonder if Hosseini was intent on being an apologist for western intervention in Afghanistan (and Iraq) by painting such an intolerable picture. But as I read the story, I recognized a beautiful resilience in the women and some of the men. There indeed are monsters in this book. But there is more than enough bravery of human spirit to leave one with a sense of hope by the final page.
This is a GREAT book! I borrowed it from the library, but I would own this one for purposes of exploring the wealth of middle eastern literary references alone. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-05 14:14:00 EST)
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| 05-31-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I think I liked it even better than "Kite Runner" because it was from a female perspective.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-03 01:12:29 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading this incredible tale, I will admit to having been completely ignorant as to the history and struggles of the people of Afghanistan. I picked this one up on a recommendation and was hardly able to put it down, staying up till the early hours of the morning to finish it (yeah it's a page-turner). Mr. Hosseini has accomplished a rare feat - a history lesson that is also an intense, gripping story. In choosing to tell the story through the eyes (and thoughts) of two women - one "illegitimate" and uneducated, the other on a path towards great things until her life is derailed by events out of her control - Hosseini captures the changing dynamic of the Afghani political system and culture in a way that is relatable and evokes sympathy. It is painful to experience Miriam's treatment as a second-class person by her own father due to her "illegitimate" birth, and to watch Laila's transformation from a bright and beautiful student in love with a childhood friend into an abused wife of an extremely violent, manipulative and domineering bully. However, it is that which makes the ending all the more redemptive. On a metaphorical level, the struggles of Miriam and Laila seem to parallel and represent those of Afghantistan itself - this, I believe, is Mr. Hosseini's central point.
Admittedly these characters are somewhat one-dimensional and sometimes feel like caricatures painted in broad strokes. Additionally, certain scenes are clearly written to tug at the heartstrings in a melodramatic manner (without giving too much away, the references to the movie "Titanic" are not misplaced with regards to Laila and Tariq, whose young relationship comes to border on the stuff of romance novels). However, the strength of the storytelling and the sense of gritty reality overwhelm the simplicity or predictability of the characters' thoughts and actions to make a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. This is a book to be taken in as wide-screen drama rather than picked apart in any great detail. One gets the sense that this book will soon be made the basis of a successful film, which in this case is definitely not a bad thing - this story virtually screams for it. One final note - the violence in this book can be pretty graphic, so be warned if that kind of thing bothers you (for me, it just made the experience seem that much more real). With that caution, I cannot recommend many books higher than this one. It's an unflinching look into a world few Americans would ever know about if it were not for this fantastic author. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-01 01:09:33 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading this incredible tale, I will admit to having been completely ignorant as to the history and struggles of the people of Afghanistan. I picked this one up on a recommendation and was hardly able to put it down, staying up till the early hours of the morning to finish it (yeah it's a page-turner). Mr. Hosseini has accomplished a rare feat - a history lesson that is also intense, gripping and emotional. Furthermore, in choosing to tell the story through the eyes (and thoughts) of two women - one "illegitimate" and uneducated, the other on a path towards great things until her life is derailed by events out of her control - Hosseini captures the changing dynamic of the Afghani political system and culture in a way that is relatable and evokes sympathy. It is painful to experience Miriam's treatment as a second-class person by her own father due to her "illegitimate" birth, and to watch Laila's transformation from a bright and beautiful student in love with a childhood friend into an abused wife of an extremely violent, manipulative and domineering bully. However, it is that which makes the ending all the more redemptive. On a metaphorical level, the struggles of Miriam and Laila seem to parallel and represent those of Afghantistan itself - this, I believe, is Mr. Hosseini's central point.
Admittedly these characters are somewhat one-dimensional and sometimes feel like caricatures painted in broad strokes. Additionally, certain scenes are clearly written to tug at the heartstrings in a melodramatic manner (without giving too much away, the references to the movie "Titanic" are not misplaced with regards to Laila and Tariq, whose young relationship comes to border on the stuff of romance novels). However, the strength of the storytelling and the sense of gritty reality overwhelm the simplicity or predictability of the characters' thoughts and actions to make a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. This is a book to be taken in as wide-screen drama rather than picked apart in any great detail. One gets the sense that this book will soon be made the basis of a successful film, which in this case is definitely not a bad thing - this story virtually screams for it. One final note - the violence in this book can be pretty graphic, so be warned if that kind of thing bothers you (for me, it just made the experience seem that much more real). With that caution, I cannot recommend many books higher than this one. It's an unflinching look into a world few Americans would ever know about if it were not for this fantastic author. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-31 01:11:23 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading this incredible tale, I will admit to having been completely ignorant as to the history and struggles of the people of Afghanistan. I picked this one up on a recommendation and was hardly able to put it down, staying up till the early hours of the morning to finish it (yeah it's a page-turner). Mr. Hosseini has accomplished a rare feat - a history lesson that is also intense, gripping and emotional. Furthermore, in choosing to juxtpose the lives of two women - one "illegitimate" and uneducated, the other on a path towards great things until her life is derailed by events out of her control - Hosseini captures the changing dynamic of the Afghani political system and culture which ultimately led to the brutal misogyny of the Taliban. It is literally painful to watch Laila's transformation from a bright and beautiful student in love with a childhood friend into an abused wife of an extremely violent, manipulative and domineering bully. However, it is that which makes the ending all the more redemptive. On a metaphorical level, Laila's struggles represent those of Afghantistan itself - this, I believe, is Mr. Hosseini's point.
One final note - the violence in this book can be pretty graphic, so be warned if that kind of thing bothers you (for me, it just made the experience seem that much more real). With that caution, I cannot recommend any book higher than this one. It's an unflinching look into a world few Americans would ever know about if it were not for this brilliant author. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-29 01:10:13 EST)
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| 05-27-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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While I agree that this is a story worth telling, I was hoping I would have been more captivated and felt more engaged. Instead I felt more like a distant observer than being right in the middle of the events/action. As a result it failed to move me much emotionally or leave a lasting impression. I often felt as if the descriptions were too generic; and not enough was done to convey the atrocities with enough passion/emotion to really make me care.
The story is interesting enough and moves at a good, even pace; but there is 'just' enough interest to keep turning the pages, no more. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-01 01:09:33 EST)
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| 05-24-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I just finished the kite runner and decided to give his second novel a go because i loved the kite runner so much. i didn't think i would enjoy this book as much as the kite runner....but i loved it so much more! it is a great read and i will definitely read it again down the road. i hope khaled hosseini is working on his third novel because i will most definitely read it! i have never absolutely LOVED two books this much by one author.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 01:11:29 EST)
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| 05-24-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Khaled Hosseini must love women. I kept having to remind myself as I devoured this wonderful book -- that it was written by a man. The story of these two extraordinary women and their unlikely relationship in the midst of war and repression, is anchored in Mr. Hosseini's wonderful character development. I felt like I lived inside of Mariam and Laila's heads. I felt enormously priviledged to be able to even imagine that such women do really exist and that they do prevail over devastating life situations. This book is a must-read for anyone who questions the unquenchable nature of the human spirit. Wendy Dolber, author, The Guru Next Door, A Teacher's Legacy.The Guru Next Door
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 01:11:29 EST)
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| 05-23-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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The title says it all, it was the most moving book that I have ever read. I hope there is a movie made, just so I can have a little more 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' in my life. Who am I kidding? I googled the book as soon as I finished it and was happy to find out that a movie IS being made of it! Yippee!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 01:11:29 EST)
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| 05-22-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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Then again, maybe it is a tall order to live up to a book of that magnitude. While 1199 reviews say otherwise, I can only speak for myself when I say this.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story that centers around two women battling the last 40 years of oppressive Afghanistan history. The first woman, Mariam, was born a illegitimate child and quickly shuffled off by her father and his wives to marriage from a man in Kabul at the age of 15. Her husband is a grade A ***hole who forces her to wear a burqa despite the fact that many women in Kabul go without theirs. The second woman, Laila has a more legitimized upbringing and is born just before the Russians come in and take over Afghanistan. Unlike Mariam, Laila believes she is destined to do something great in her lifetime but those dreams are dramatically put on hold when a misguided missile is fired in her house, killing her parents and uprooting her very life as she knows it. Ironically, Laila recovers in Mariam's house with her husband Rasheed. However, Rasheed says Laila cannot stay in their house and is worried about his reputation. With the alternative being put out on the street, Laila reluctantly agrees to become Rasheed's second wife. Despite hating each other at first, the two end up forging an unlikely friendship and end up making sacrifices that are truly moving for each other as the book wears on. Overall I liked the book, which is why I didn't give it two stars. However, it just didn't have the same appeal, the same freshness as Kite Runner did. That and the fact that the book just continually got more and more dark in it's overall tone and while Hosseini tries to convey a message about how things are in Afghanistan, I just thought it was too depressing this time. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-25 01:08:19 EST)
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| 05-21-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Read this as part of a book club. Author is a great story teller and excels at the locale descriptions. Though it's a good story, it's a difficult subject to read about.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-24 01:09:23 EST)
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| 05-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A Thousand Splendid Suns
Khaled Hossini, the author, has made me cry with a story; this time not about two boys but two ladies who face difficult times. Khaled Hossini after leaving Afghanistan almost twenty-eight years ago still remembers the country and its hardships, because of this I rate this book a five out of five as the best book I have ever read. This story starts in a city in Afghanistan called Herat in which we meet a little girl called Mariam. This girl is one of many daughters and has a lot of step mothers. From the point of view of Mariam's mother her father Jalil could care less for her, you are led to believe this because the other children and wives live with Jalil in a big house and Mariam lives in shack. This book tends to switch main characters; we meet Lalia who likes school and has a crush on Tariq at age 14. Tariq is a boy who only has one leg and in there years have been Lalia's best friend to a boyfriend. Lalia is a character that is kind but sad with the fact that her dad should have lived and not her, because of a bomb hitting her house. Lalia and Mariam the main characters who may seem to have different lives come together in an unexpected twist in a very interesting way. The author's style is wonderful he changes the points of view and every character seems to have different lifestyle which must have of been hard for Mr. Hossini to come up with. In the book we see more wrong, than right we see more regrets than love, and most importantly more death than life. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-24 01:09:23 EST)
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| 05-20-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book was amazing. Hosseini has captured the heart and soul of women in these pages. A must read.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-23 01:12:25 EST)
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| 05-20-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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I have read this book and The Kite Runner, and found them both quick and easy reads. However, they are also overly sentimental, and not particularly realistic. The characters don't ring true. This probably reflects the fact that the author is writing about a place that he only half-remembers from early childhood, and describing events, cities, and people that he has never really known. The author's family had left Afghanistan by the time he was 12, after already spending years abroad. Between this and the Kite Runner, the scenes that rang the truest were those set in Fremont, California, near where the author grew up.
So would I recommend these books? Well, they are entertaining pulp fiction, but they do not help the reader understand Afghani culture, and they are mired in maudlin stereotypes. They may do a disservice to some readers, who believe them to be more "true" than they are. So I would recommend them only as entertainment, and even then I would be wary. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-23 01:12:25 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is better than the first book. I enjoyed seeing the life of women in this sad country. I also appreciated learning details about daily life. Riveting book. What an author.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:28 EST)
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| 05-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I cannot begin to explain how beautiful this book is. But neither can I describe to you the ugliness and the horrors that it also contains. I will say that all women, from every free nation, should read this novel and take heart. It has made me more profoundly grateful to be an American woman. My many thanks to Mr. Hosseini for again bringing another wonderful story into my hands.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-17-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I approached this novel with some trepidation as I was one of the few people who was not that crazy about "The Kite Runner". However, I was looking around for something new to read and decided to give this book a try. I borrowed my sister's book club edition and dove in for what turned out to be one of the best novels I have read this year. I will state here it's not a GREAT novel, BUT it's an excellent read and well worth your time. In fact, I liked the book so much, I ordered my own copy from Amazon.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-15-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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The book is well written and informative (in terms of the country's history. I could not put down this book and am looking forward impatiently for the author's next book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-14-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading The Kite Runner I ordered this book. I throughly enjoyed this book. I love his method of writingl. It is so easy reading and I hope he soon writes more books.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-13-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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Miriam is raised with the idea that she not worthy of life's finer things. Her mother makes it clear that being the child of a wealthy man and a servant has made her undesirable and unwanted. Miriam grows up thinking that her mother is right. When her father turns her away and gives her to a much older man for marriage, Miriam goes without having a choice. She moves with her new husband to an city unknown to her in Afganistan where she has trouble conceiving a child. After seven miscarriages and failed attempts, her husband has nothing but contempt for her and treats her like a slave, abusing her every step of the way.
Laila is the daugher of a local family who's sons have gone off to fight in the Country's war. Her father is kind and brilliant and dotes on her every chance he can get. Her mother, however, is unable to cope with the absence of her sons and becomes completely unglued once she is notified that they have been killed at war. Laila's biggest ally is Tariq - her childhood friend for whom she is developing romantic feelings. Amidst tradedy and violence, the lives of these two women become intertwined. What starts out as a hostile and hateful relationship soon develops into one of love and companionship as both battle the same evil man. The two grow in their love for each other, Laila's children, and their common fight against oppression. The writing is exceptional in this novel and really brings to light the suffering of the people, and particularly the women, in Afganistan over the past half century. The book never stalls and you want to keep reading to see how it turns out. It is somewhat predictable, however, and the reader will not be shocked at the outcome. Any other result would be too depressing in an age where we want the good guy to come out on top. While interesting set amidst the backdrop of Afganistan, the story of the interpersonal relationships between the women and their abuser is not new or original. This is where the novel becomes simply average. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is one of the best books I have ever read. I think this book is even better than the Kite Runner.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-11-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini's follow-up to his wildly successful novel The Kite Runner, focuses on the women of Afghanistan and their experiences in a war-ravaged Muslim society.
I really enjoyed this book, though it was difficult to read sometimes. There are two primary characters in the book: Miriam and Laila. Miriam is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman. When her mother commits suicide, her father marries her off hastily in order to avoid his shame. Mariam is married to Rasheed, an abusive older man who punishes her when she can't give him a child. Meanwhile, Laila, a younger woman, discovers that she is unwed and pregnant just as her parents are killed in a bombing. In the interest of self-preservation, she becomes Rasheed's second wife. The two women go on to develop a friendship and an enduring love that, in many ways, saves them both. As difficult as life was for the male characters in The Kite Runner, it is infinitely more difficult for the female characters in this novel. Muslim society can be cruel to its women, who are expected to remain obediant and subservient to their husbands, regardless of the treatment they receive. My heart ached for the characters, for the pain and indignity they suffered, and for the society that enabled such injustice to be carried out. Hosseini's writing is a tad more flowery in this novel than in the first, but not overly so. And because this novel is set against the backdrop of very current events, it feels more topical. I thought this was an excellent second novel. Hosseini used what he already knew (and what he already knew his readers were interested in), but gave us a fresh take on it by examining it through a different lens and a more current time. I thought this was a great way of "giving people what they want" while still growing as a writer/exploring new territory for him. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-09-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading Hosseini's Kite Runner, I instantly began to read his Thousand Splendid Suns. Focused on women, this book will give you an idea of how women were treated in Afganistan under the Taliban's control. Powerful and very well written.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:52 EST)
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| 05-09-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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After reading this book a few months ago, I find it hard to read any other book.. I loved "Kite Runner" as well, but this book is so haunting, I can still remember every little detail - each character, the events, etc. I have never felt so much emotion from a single book. I tried to read "Eat Love Pray" right after and that book was so painful to read. Maybe if I read it before reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" I would have seen what all the hype was about for "Eat Love Pray".. In fact I didn't even finish "Eat Love Pray". I went on to "Friday Night Knitting Club" which is extremely dull.. and I'm moving on to "Three Cups of Tea" which is about Pakistan and the Taliban and whatnot - so I'm HOPING it'll be similar to Khaled's writing..
Read this book NOW!! Best book I EVER, EVER read.... (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-08-08 | 1 | 0\1 |
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I found Miriam's story unremittingly depressing. I was ready to slit my wrists after 40 pages. I had to read the book for my book club so I persisted, hoping that there would be some hope, some redeeming feature. Nope. It appeared to me that this book was Miriam's story, and her story alone, but that it was such a hopeless, dreary tale that the story of the younger woman, which had some measure of happiness, had to be tacked on to make the book marketable.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book was so interesting that I finished it in 2 days. It depicted the customs and view of the way people live in Afghanistan while it told a beautiful story. It was easy to read and understand and made me see the way women are treated in this foreign country. Hosseini has a way with words that make you hungry for more reading. The service in receiving my book was awesome!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I will be brief - if you are not sure about whether or not you want to read this book - do not hesitate. It transports you to another world - makes you take these women into your heart and then your heart will sing despite the bittersweet aspects to the story. It is really wonderful - defines what a good book really is.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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this is a wonderful book that took me into the lives of two women who overcome so much just to survive in a dismal society. i cannot ever think that i have a hard life or anyone i know for that matter after reading this. i have also read the kite runner and think this is a better book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-04-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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This is one of the best books I have read in the past years!
He is one of the best writters outthere now days! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-03-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I could not put this book down! The relationship between the two women is beautifully written. The tragic story is outweighed by the optimistic spirit. This was more than a good book. It is an instant classic that should be cherished for decades. I'm so thankful I took the time to read A Thousand Splendid Suns.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 05-02-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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A great read. Emotionally powerful and hard to put down. Loved it. The relationship between the two wives is very realistically depicted. Well worth the five stars.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 00:49:53 EST)
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| 04-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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It's a long time since a book made me feel angry and want to jump into the pages to defend the characters but that's how this novel made me feel. I found it a really gripping read with depth and realism that made me reluctant to put it down.
I confess to knowing very little about Afghanistan and whilst I'm certainly no expert now, I do feel I have much more of a flavour of the country and it's people. It's easy for me to be indignant and say what I would do in certain situations but in reality, and as this novel shows, there are so many factors that go into making decisions that are life changing. Frustrated as I felt at times at the unfairness of things, I can understand why Mariam and Laila went along with the paths that were offered them. I was genuinely shocked by the way the women and children are treated by some of the characters, oddly enough less by the physical abuse and more of the mental abuse and inequality. I was impressed that religion doesn't actually play a big part in this book, instead it's an insight into Afghanistan culture over the last three decades. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-02 01:09:27 EST)
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| 04-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Loved this book. A beautiful tale from a woman's perspective. More heartbreaking than the KiteRunner if that is possible
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-02 01:09:27 EST)
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"His style is deceptively simple and clear, the characters drawn deftly and swiftly, his themes elemental and huge. This is a brilliant writer and I look forward to more of his work." Read Joanna Daneman's review
"All that being said, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a bit more enjoyable than Hosseini's previous "The Kite Runner", and once again he manages to give we readers another glimpse of a world that we know little about but frequently condemn and discard. However, if you were one of the many that for some reason absolutely loved "The Kite Runner", chances are that you'll love this as well." Read N. Durham's review
"Hosseini presents a piognant view into the recent tortured decades of the Afghan experience. From the 1970s, under a king, to the Soviet takeover, to the years of resistance. And then the rise and fall of the Taliban. An American reader will recognise many of the main political events. But to many Americans, Afghanistan and its peoples and religion remain an opaque and troubling mystery." Read W. Boudville's review