Author: Khaled Hosseini
Year: 2007
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Pages: 433
One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.
Indeed a splendid read. I absolutely enjoyed the read. This is one of the books that really touched my heart. I read Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner last year, from then I really wanted to read this novel as well. Even though I am in a tight academic schedule these days i couldn't put this book away because i have already started reading.
This novel was published by Hosseini in 2007 following the huge success of his debut novel The Kite Runner. The story is set in the Afghanistan from early 1960s to the early 2000s. The book which divided into 4 parts tells the story of two Afghan women Mariyam and Laila who's live intersect during the Taliban rule. First part deals with Mariyam's life, the second Laila's, in third is where a bond is created between both these characters and forth is more like a conclusion.
Mariyam and Laila are extremely different from one another, especially in terms of their upbringing. Mariyam was a illegitimate child (harami) from Herat, who is forced to marry a shoe maker from Kabul at a very young age after a family tragedy. Where as Laila is born a generation later in Kabul, had a relatively privileged life, got primary education and a educated parents. But a similar tragedy forces her to marry Mariyam's husband.
Mariyam's rich father marries her off to Rasheed a 50 year old widower when she was just 15 years old. Their marriage became a failed, loveless and abusive marriage as he finds out Mariyam can not give him a son as he wanted.
Laila parents gave lot of importance to her education, especially her father who used to be a teacher. She had a lover named Tariq who had to leave the country as the war began. But he promises her that one day he will comeback for her. Later as she loss her family in the war she had to expect the marriage proposal from Rasheed. The story became more interesting as Mariyam and Laila starts to live under the same roof and their bond starts to grow day by day.
Primary theme of the novel is the right of women, especially under the Taliban. under Taliban women were denied the right for education and employment, they were restrained from going out and traveling by their own. More over they were dined of basic medical treatment and justice of law. Author also explain who women are objectified in such a society where women are denied justice. In one instance Rasheed objectify women by comparing them with cars.
Love also come as a recurring theme in the novel. The love of Mariyam's mother's towards her, motherly love between mariyam and Laila, and the love between Tariq and Laila. We can see the depth of their relationship through Tariq's response when Laila tells him her dream to go back to her motherland, he say "I'll follow you to the end of the world, Laila."
The climax of the novel is very well presented. I really appreciate the writing style especially the pacing, a slow pace which became faster as the story develops. The diction of Khaled Hosseini should be mentioned specifically because such a story which has war backdrop is presented in a very poetic and practical simultaneously. I really like when the author quote from some great writer, here Hosseini quote Khalil Gibran in a particular instance: "Tell your secret to the wind, but don't blame it for telling the trees."
I really enjoyed the book and i would recommend it to you all. No matter if you are a beginner or a great reader you will definitely enjoy this book.Have a nice read!
Summary of A Thousand Splendid Suns
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a poignant and deeply moving novel that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban regime.
Mariam, born out of wedlock to a maid and a wealthy businessman, grows up in a small village with her mother. Despite her mother's love, Mariam faces discrimination and ostracism due to her illegitimate status. After her mother's suicide, Mariam is forced into a loveless marriage with Rasheed, a much older and abusive man from Kabul.
Laila, on the other hand, is a young girl from Kabul born to educated and liberal parents. Her childhood is shattered by the Soviet invasion, which leads to the death of her parents and the destruction of her home. Laila is taken in by Rasheed and Mariam after being injured in a bombing that kills her family. Despite initially resenting Mariam, Laila forms a deep bond with her as they both endure Rasheed's violence and oppression.
The novel chronicles the struggles and sacrifices of Mariam and Laila as they navigate the harsh realities of life under the Taliban regime. They face oppression, violence, and loss, yet they find strength and solace in their friendship and shared experiences. Despite their circumstances, Mariam and Laila exhibit remarkable resilience and courage as they strive to protect each other and find moments of happiness amidst the turmoil.
Throughout the novel, Hosseini explores themes of love, friendship, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. He also sheds light on the plight of Afghan women, who are often marginalized and oppressed in a patriarchal society torn apart by war and conflict.
In the end, Mariam makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect Laila and her children, giving her life to ensure their safety. Laila, devastated by Mariam's death, finds the strength to carry on and rebuild her life for the sake of her children. The novel ends on a note of hope as Laila and her family leave Afghanistan behind, symbolizing a new beginning and a brighter future.
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a powerful and unforgettable story that captures the resilience, courage, and humanity of its characters in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through their stories, Hosseini offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of love and hope.
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