A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini

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Average Rating: (See all 11 reviews) Format: Paperback, 384 pages, Export ed Edition Published In: United Kingdom, 22 May 2007 Quantity Available: 1324 Ships within 6-12 days Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam's unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter. With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women's endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end, it is love that triumphs over death and destruction. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is an unforgettable portrait of a wounded country and a deeply moving story of family and friendship. It is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely bond and an indestructible love About the Author Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and moved to the United States in 1980. His first novel, The Kite Runner , was an international bestseller, published in 34 countries. In 2006 he was named a US goodwill envoy to the United Nations Refugee Agency. He lives in northern California. Reviews 'A beautifully crafted and disturbing story of two women victims of the wrath of men. As unforgettable as The Kite Runner, this novel places us in Afghanistan with an open heart' Isabel Allende 'I loved this book - I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It is incredibly moving and a real insight into the madness and suffering of Afghanistan - in particular its women' Fiona Bruce 'Hosseini proves his credentials as a superstar storyteller. This follow up to The Kite Runner will have fans rampaging into bookshops desperate for their copy. Yet again he weaves a masterful story around the lives of two extraordinary and compelling characters brought together in adversity' Mariella Frostrup 'From further east comes, at long last, Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns in which the universally adored author of The Kite Runner returns with a study of love and self-sacrifice in a modern Afghan family' Sunday Telegraph Prizes A riveting and powerful story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship and an indestructible love The Kite Runner has sold over 8 million copies worldwide Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC ISBN: 0747582971 EAN: 9780747582977 Dimensions: 23.0 x 15.0 centimeters

An exceptional follow up from the author of "The Kite Runner". A piognant tale of the lives of Two women born a generation apart and the ordels they must face in war-torn Kabul. A heart breaking story beautifully written and emotionally powerful that provides the reader with a most telling window into Afghan society over the past thirty-odd years.

Beautiful. Too many stories about the women of this region portray them as helpless to their surroundings. This story shows that while some of these women may be subject to harsh realities, they are strong and independent in their own right. The companionship between these two females is illustrated beautifully - capturing the initial suspicion which each female has for eachother, blossoming into an unrestricted love for each other and recognition of the journey each has taken.

What a story. Captivating. Surprises along the way. Heart wrenching. One of the best stories about strong women in war torn world. I read Kite Runner and then this one - both are fantastic read. I just could not put it down - read till the end in one go!

A real insight into life for Afghani women. Khaled Hosseini's latest book will touch you deeply as it moves through thirty or so years of life of dominance, cruelty and control into modern day Afghanistan.
Mariam and Laila the two main characters suffer unbelievably at the hands of Rasheed.
Hosseini's 'The Kite Runner' was a hard act to follow but I think that 'A Thousand Different Suns' surpasses it.I found myself engrossed in the story from the start and could not put it down.

An Amazing book! - I read the Kite runner first and didnt think that this would be anywhere near as good but it is!
I fell in love with the characters and even though there is an ethnic difference i still found it easy to understand.
I find the way Khaled writes draws you into the book and you feel as though you know the characters personally!

Great book - I couldnt put it down i read it in one weekend! Highly recommended!

Very good. Was easy language to read and the story tugged the heart-strings.

Certainly up to the standard of the "Kite Runner" also by Khaled Hosseini. AIt was difficult to put down this amazing story about two women and the trails and tribulations of their lives under the Taliban regime.
More amazing is the fact that it is written by a man - every detail is handled with real life emotion and clarity. Khaled has a unique gift - I can't wait for his next book.

This was one I bought for my book club. I loved the kite runner and was worried that I would not like ATSS as much. I wasn't disappointed; this is an amazing story. I think Hosseini really brings to life old fashion storytelling in a way that isn't practiced widely anymore. Absolutely engaging, confronting, and sorrowful, I couldn't put this book down. Some people have said that they are surprised a man could write such a powerful and convincing story of women and their strength but I find comfort in the that fact. I felt privileged to read it. A story of how beautiful and wretched humanity can be.

For those who haven’t heard of Hosseini and this book (where have you been!)  ATSS is the story of Miriam and Leila who both, through devastating events, become wives of the troubled and bitter Rasheed. Miriam comes from a troubled home she shared with her strangely disengaged mother. Miriam is twice Leila’s age when unrest in Afghanistan and an equally traumatic series of events lead to Leila joining the household. The two women, trapped in a life of brutality and fear form an unlikely bond that is as strong as that between sisters, or mother and daughter.

Trasnsported to another land, very different from my own, Hosseini, provides a touching insight into the lives of women that made me understand that I know nothing of true suffering, endurance or strength of spirit. This novel is inspiring and soul changing. Whilst not based on any particular women and is a fictional novel, the power comes from the fact that these women could be any Afghani women you may meet today.

Set in Afghanistan it is a story of the daily lives and struggles of two different women, born into lives of harship, who paths cross in a unique and challenging way. The story follows their lives and culminates by giving us some hope in a future for this war-torn country.

An easy and highly recommended read.

I loved this book. It was very intense in parts and it got a bit slow in a few parts. I was fascinated by the war and the family set up of the people in the story. Overall, I would say its a great read.