"A Thousand Splendid Suns" - Khaled Hosseini | Book review

 

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini follows the story of two women in Afghanistan as they grow up through widely different scenarios, but are brought together by life to face a shared struggle. After losing her mother, Mariam is forced by her father and his family to get married and move to Kabul at the age of fifteen. Laila, on the other hand grew up believing in her self worth as her father always made sure to imprint the importance of education and her ability to contribute to the nation in her mind. Under the cruel circumstances created by the reckless, inhumane rule, Laila, who is still a teenager, finds herself with Mariam, who is now an adult. As they both develop a strong bond, they are challenged with hunger, fear and oppressive laws as their country moves through a dark phase.

The narration keeps switching throughout the book, presenting Mariam’s and Laila’s perspectives alternatively. It shows how the two women, whose lives initially presented them with disparate circumstances approach common adversity. The differences and similarities in their responses to the ordeals they face is a highlight of the book.

The author beautifully portrays how love and hope can imbue people with exceptional bravery and strength. The story presents the torments women have to endure in a brutal world. The skillful writing and the powerful story makes the book a must read. The author impressively captivates the readers in this heart-wrenching story and evokes deep feelings of compassion, disgust and respect for the characters and their actions from time to time. 

We cannot help empathizing with the protagonists as they try to figure out a way through the dark. The settings of the story may seem too terrible to be true for an average reader. To read the book is to realize how grateful we are to be able to - read! The book makes the readers contemplate the lives of people throughout history who were oppressed, too subdued to even ask for their basic rights to learn, work, eat, move freely and live. But it also reminds us that even in the ghastliest times, there were ordinary individuals, who heroically stepped up against the tyranny, with their determination and conscientiousness to do what they must. It shows how a little kindness and courage goes a long way and induces immense impacts.