A Thousand Splendid Suns: Khaled Hosseini (Bloomsbury Publishing)

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini As a small time writer of no consequence, I am only too ready to criticise the next reading circle book. The more successful the book, the more likely I am to be prickly, suspicious and on the lookout for faults. However, as soon as I started A Thousand Splendid Suns, any envious nastiness evaporated as I was drawn into this wonderful book. For me, it was a book that was almost perfect - a traditionally written story, well constructed, with characters - the main ones, specifically - with whom you couldn't help empathising. It was also a thirty year history of Afghanistan from about 1974 to 2003. The book tells the story of two women, who over the period are married to the same man; at first they are rivals, even though their husband is an unattractive, hateful, abusive middle-aged man, who has twice taken on very young girls in the hope of producing a son. Eventually, in spite of everything they become friends, or almost mother and daughter. I have to admit that I didn't really follow the politics, but what comes over is the suffering of the population as power swings backwards and forwards between various regimes; between one set of soldiers or aggressors and another, and on a personal level, the suffering and impotence of the womenfolk, in the face of the power of the men. Hosseini didn't pull his punches when he described the domestic violence that his two main characters were exposed to. And the worst horror of this is not so much the physical beatings, but the realisation that there is no escape, and no higher power for these two women to go to. So though you might start the book thinking that this is how two feisty, plucky women succeed in defeating their brute of a husband, that would be all too easy to write and untrue to itself. I am never comfortable with explicit sex scenes and generally do not see the need for them. I enjoyed and was moved by Hosseini's delicately written love scenes and description of youthful passion. I took A Thousand Splendid Suns on holiday with me, though some might regard it as inappropriate summer reading. All I know is that once I had started, I didn't want to put it down and that I was able to read it without interruption. And towards the end of the book, as I lay on my sun-bed, tears that I could not stem were running down my face. The capacity to move and the capacity to involve the reader in the lives of fictional characters is of great importance to me and Khaled Hosseini totally succeeded in this and has thereby created a brilliant book.

Just incredible so well written and so emotional. You must read this book.

Must read.

The book came in good condition! The story is stunning.

This is such a good book. Keeps you engaged throughout the pages

Daughter loved this

Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece that explores the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's violent history. The book is about the struggles and brutality faced by women. However it also showcases their unyielding strength and capacity for love. Hosseini's writing is vivid and realistic drawing you into the lives of the characters. I was deeply touched by Mariam's life that depicts her sacrifice and acceptance. Laila's strong determination to protect her family is also commendable. The bond between these two women is a testament of resilience of mankind. Afghanistan's history and culture are clearly depicted in the novel. At times it brought me to tears while keeping me on the toe with hope. This book has left a profound impact om me. It left a lasting impression on me about the heart-wrenching lives of women in that country. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted novel.

An easy and fantastic read, hilarious and informative! A great read and would be a great gift too!!

J’ai adoré ce livre, très émotionnel

I read The kite Runner and then thought to buy this book...it's very well written,the depiction of historical and story to keep reader occupied...... I am not much of reader but at one point I felt like details became vague and story started to feel like one sided,specially when Laila gets introduced in story......overall good read....

It was for an English assignment gurl when I tell you this was the first school book I read in less than a week. It was that good like so entertaining since something was always occurring. So beautifully written and made. The storyline the characters all amazing

Good!

My favorite book.