Diksia.com - If you are looking for a book that will make you cry, inspire you and challenge you, then you might want to read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. This is the second novel by the Afghan-American author, who also wrote the bestselling The Kite Runner.
In this book, he tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who face oppression, violence and hardship in their war-torn country. But they also find love, friendship and courage in each other.
In this article, I will review the novel and share my thoughts on its themes, characters and writing style. I will also compare it to other works by Hosseini and other authors. I hope this will help you decide whether to read this book or not.
Introduction
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a 2007 novel by Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner. The novel tells the story of two women, Mariam and Laila, who are forced to marry the same man, Rasheed, in an arranged marriage in Afghanistan.
The story spans three decades, from the 1960s to the 2000s, and follows the women as they navigate life under the Taliban regime.
Novel Details:
- Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Author: Khaled Hosseini
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Drama, Romance
- Chapters: 40
- Language: English
- Publisher: Riverhead Books
- Publication date: May 22, 2007
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
- Awards:
- Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Fiction (2008),
- Boeke Prize (2008), British Book Awards (2008),
- Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction (2008),
- Exclusive Books Boeke Prize Nominee (2008),
- James Tait Black Memorial Prize Nominee for Fiction (2008),
- Lincoln Award Nominee (2010),
- Los Angeles Times Book Prize Nominee for Fiction (2007),
- National Book Critics Circle Award Nominee for Fiction (2007),
- Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Shortlist (2008)
Recommended Audience
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a mature novel that deals with some heavy themes, such as domestic violence, war, and loss. It is recommended for readers 16 years of age and older.
Overview
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of two women’s struggle to survive in a patriarchal society.
The novel is beautifully written and the characters are well-developed. Hosseini does an excellent job of depicting the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
Plot Summary
Mariam is a 15-year-old girl who is sold into an arranged marriage with Rasheed, a much older man. Laila is a young girl who becomes friends with Mariam after her family is killed in a bombing. The two women are forced to live together as Rasheed’s wives.
The novel follows the women as they navigate life under the Taliban regime. They face many challenges, including domestic violence, poverty, and the loss of loved ones. However, they also find strength and resilience in their friendship.
Characters and Character Development
Mariam and Laila are the two main characters in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Mariam is a strong and independent woman who is determined to survive against all odds. Laila is a kind and compassionate woman who is full of hope.
The other major characters in the novel include Rasheed, Mariam’s husband; Tariq, Laila’s childhood friend; and Aziza, Mariam and Rasheed’s daughter.
Theme and Message
The theme of A Thousand Splendid Suns is the power of female friendship and resilience. The novel shows how two women can find strength in each other even in the most difficult of circumstances.
The message of the novel is that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Writing Style
Hosseini’s writing style is lyrical and evocative. He uses beautiful language to describe the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Well-developed characters
- Powerful and moving story
- Beautiful writing style
- Important message
Cons:
- Some graphic violence
- Slow-paced in some places
Comparison to Other Works
A Thousand Splendid Suns has been compared to other novels about Afghanistan, such as The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad.
However, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a unique novel that tells its own story in its own way.
Where to Read Novel
A Thousand Splendid Suns is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. It can be purchased from most major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Conclusion
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of two women’s struggle to survive in a patriarchal society.
The novel is beautifully written and the characters are well-developed. Hosseini does an excellent job of depicting the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
If you are looking for a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, then A Thousand Splendid Suns is a must-read.
