A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a very popular book, and rightfully so. It is a domestic fiction, a work that features home and family life. A Thousand Splendid Suns was written by Khaled Hosseini who is known for his books such as The Kite Runner. His works are known for being written in a way that touches the reader’s heart and a s Thousand Splendid Suns is no different. It was published in 2007 after Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel, The Kite Runner (Pub: 2003) was a huge success worldwide. The story follows 2 women from Afghanistan and their lives. Hosseini was born in Afghanistan and the story was based on his observations when he visited Kabul in 2003. A Thousand Splendid Suns is published by Bloomsbury Publishing. The name of the book is taken from a translation of Josephine Barry Davis’s poem “Kabul.” The story is divided into parts. Mariam’s story, Laila’s story and finally their story together. The story explores the choices they made and the choices they never got to make.
Set in Afghanistan right before the Taliban start ruling. There isn’t mention of the Taliban when Mariam is young but when Laila is growing up there are mentions of the Taliban and attacks, because of which when they start to rule over Kabul it doesn’t feel forced. The reader already knows what’s going to happen. This book still has many twists and turns. The secrets and feelings the characters try to hide from themselves or when they find out not everyone is who they seem to be

Mariam is only 15 when she is married off to Rasheed, who is 30 years older than her. Almost 2 decades later, Laila, a 15 year old girl joins Mariam’s family as Rasheed’s wife. Mariam, who is a child born out of wedlock and Laila, who lost her family in a bomb explosion find solace in each other and form a bond as strong as that of a mother and daughter. Mariam, Laila and all women have to survive a time akin to that of a nightmare when the Taliban take control of Afghanistan and the streets are filled with sounds of gunfire and bombs. Half the chapters in the book are written from Mariam’s perspective while others are from Laila’s. The difference between the two can be seen from those points of view. Hosseini doesn’t use many fancy words to write the story, but the way it is written, the reader can feel the emotions the characters are feeling, their sorrow, their hurt, and their love.

The book acknowledges the problems that a woman has in a patriarchal society. The first instance of that is Mariam having to live with her mother in a small hut even when her father is rich and able to provide for her. Then many further situations show the difference between the mindset of Mariam and Laila. Being married just so her father could get rid of her, Rasheed forcing her to live the way he desires, Mariam is taught to listen. But Laila is from a loving family. She is allowed to study, think for herself, and speak up for herself. By a cruel twist of fate, she is forced to marry Rasheed for her future. With the Taliban ruling and putting more restrictions on women Mariam and Laila find strength in each other.

This book is the type which can make people feel uncomfortable. I did not like many things that were happening in the book, like Rasheed yelling at Mariam, Laila being picked on by a bunch of random boys and mostly the way women were treated when the Taliban started ruling. But all of this is written in such a gripping way I couldn’t put the book down. The Journey of the characters, Mariam, Laila, Rasheed, Tariq, Zalmai, Aziza and their character change keeps the readers hooked. Some characters change for the better while some start showing their true colours.
Why did Laila marry Rasheed, a guy almost 50 years older than her? What will be at stake, what will they sacrifice for each other? If given a choice will they save themselves or sacrifice their freedom for each other?
And how will they find happiness even when There are terrifying situations all around.

The part which touched me the most was when a list of all the things women are banned from doing is written in the book. Because I can’t imagine living without singing and dancing or not even laughing in public. Even though this book is a work of fiction it is based on the reality of Afghanistan. This is what makes this book more captivating, knowing that the elements in this could be reality for some. This is still relevant because today, Taliban rule over Afghanistan and most of these rules are still applicable to the people living there. Though it is a fictional story about two imaginary women it touches on the treatment Afghani women have to face even today.
Overall, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a gripping, thought-provoking book which stays with you for a long time. I think everyone should give this a read. 4/5 stars