A Thousand Splendid Suns
Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Author: Khalid Hosseini
Book Reviewed By - Sameeksha Manerkar
The book revolves around protagonists Mariam and Laila and their highs and lows in Afghanistan.
I have so much to say about this book right from the places I visited- Herat and Kabul. The heart-wrenching and daunting incidents make me feel lucky to have the privilege of everything today. The explicitly described era shocked me till the end. This book is one of a kind.
” One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.” – A thousand splendid suns.
The book is divide into four sections :
Introducing Mariam – an illegitimate child who felt sick of Nana (her mom) twisting the truths of their life and feeling affectionate towards her father Jalil, but the series of events made her realize the bitter truth behind her feelings towards Nana. Soon after her mother died, she was sent to Kabul to marry Rasheed at fifteen.
Introducing Laila – an ambitious girl whose father believed that society needs more educated women than men. She is 15 too and is in love with her childhood best friend Tariq, but war forces Tariq and his parents to flee to Pakistan, and in a short period – her parents died due to rockets, and her peaceful life turned tragic as Rasheed marries her.
The third part focuses on the gradual change in the relationship between Mariam, Laila, and Rasheed.
The last part is the conclusion part.
Personal Commentary:
I loved how Khaled Hosseini portrays the characters and incidents articulately. Despite multiple characters, the author has adequately developed each character with a strong message. The twists and turns are thrilling. The writing style is magical. Although the book is lengthy, it is fast-paced – engaging the readers from the minute they hold it.
A must-read if you like tragic books.