A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini

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Average Rating: (See all reviews) Format: Hardcover, 384 pages Published In: United States, June 2007 Condition: New Usually ships within 6-10 days (4400 available) Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made "The Kite Runner" a classic, Hosseinis latest novel is at once an incredible chronicle of 30 years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation found in love. Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover ISBN: 1594489505 EAN: 9781594489501 Dimensions: 23.57 x 16.26 x 3.18 centimetres (0.58 kg)

This story follows the life of two women born 30 years apart in Afghanistan. It's a tragic read that offer some hope at the end. It's better written than "The Kite Runner" as the characters are more complex. I found sections of it difficult to read, especially the climax which you know is inevitable. It's a book that makes you realise how fortunate we are in the West and how resilient humans can be. Don't read this unless you have a box of tissues beside you. It's also not recommended if you're looking for a restful night of sleep. It's a book that stays with you for a few days after you read it. And one that you really want to discuss with other people.

With "A Thousand Splendid Suns", Khaled Hosseini follows up his best selling "The Kite Runner" with another glimpse at a battle torn Afghanistan. This time around, Hosseini focuses on the lives of two seemingly unrelated women who end up with a lifelong connection with each other. Mariam has no choice as she is given away to Rasheed, whose cruelty knows few bounds, while the younger Laila lives somewhat ideally before her family become casualties of the war, and she ends up as a wife of Rasheed as well. The book takes place over a number of years as new lives begin and old ones are lost, not to mention the fact that the book follows the same formula that "The Kite Runner" did before it. Rasheed, while cruel and symbolic of the Taliban that takes power, is given no kind of character development at all. We know that he is a bad man who believes he is just in his proceedings, which makes him all the more two-dimensional. There is also the fact that, while frequently compelling, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is as frequently predictable in its series of events. Without giving too much away, one character's would-be demise and return can be seen coming a mile away, along with other numerous elements as well. All that being said, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a bit more enjoyable than Hosseini's previous "The Kite Runner", and once again he manages to give we readers another glimpse of a world that we know little about but frequently condemn and discard. However, if you were one of the many that for some reason absolutely loved "The Kite Runner", chances are that you'll love this as well.