Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns is written by the same author of The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini. This novel takes place in Afghanistan over the time frame of the past thirty years. A story told between two women, connected by the misery and cruelty that surrounds that time period, offers a unique insight into another culture. It definitely gets your mind thinking with the vivid details and accurate history lesson included within the two woman's bond.

Part 1

When I first decided to read this novel, I was quite skeptical that I would enjoy it but I decided to dig in despite this. As I began reading Part 1, I thought the tone and style the author used was going to get old rather quickly. But by chapter 4 I was hooked! Part 1 introduces you to a young woman, Miriam, that grows up as an outcast due to being born in an unfortunate circumstance. She offers one of a kind insight into the thinking of the Afghan culture.

Through out the first part, you get to know this young woman very well as she enters into marriage and begins her life as a wife. The details of the way women are treated in this culture were very surprising to me. It really got me thinking about the differences cultures really have. I must say, by the end of part 1 I had fallen in love with this young woman's story.

Part 2

In part 2 of the novel the story changes and we are introduced to a young child named Laila. At this point I became very annoyed at the fact the author changed perspective of the story and the narration was coming from this young child. I must admit, I skipped over a large portion of the second half of the novel and almost gave up at one point. I did not feel the connection with this new character that I had with Miriam from the first part.

The second part followed this young child's story up until the point she is almost an adult. Her story is equally as affected by devastation as that of the woman from Part 1. I was not as intrigued by her story as I was with Miriam's and kind of found myself wondering why she was even included within the book.

Part 3

Part 3 of the novel is where the story really comes to life. All my doubts from part 2 were soon relinquished when the two main characters connected in the most upsetting way. Part 3 is full of shock and awe as these two woman are forced together into an unusual bond. What starts out as a hateful and spiteful existence together, later turns into a wonderful life long bond that leaves these two woman inseparable.

Part 3 of the book was the most surprising part of the story in my opinion. The constant twists and turns are sure to leave your mind spinning. All the plots fit together well and lead to Part 4 of the novel in a perfect manor. I have to admit, part 3 takes you on a very emotional journey but is worth every second of it.

Part 4

Part 4 concluded the novel with unexpected surprises. Finally, part 4 brings some light and happiness into what was a dark and somewhat depressing story. I feel some aspects of part 4 kind of dragged on and were pointless but worth sticking out to the end. Part 4 leaves you feeling hopeful for the future of the women in this country as some happiness and success is finally brought into the story. The entire novel leaves you with a sense of insight that was not always present.

Overall Opinion

A Thousand Splendid Suns will definitely take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you experience the culture difference. While parts of it may drag a little, it's 100% worth reading to the end. This novel offers a very unique insight into a different way of life. Whether it's a correct way of life or not, it's not for us to judge. But the novel assists in inviting you into a different culture and experiencing it first hand. I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone interested in a great read. I will be looking for Khaled Hosseini's other novel "The Kite Runner" in hopes to enjoy another novel the way I enjoyed this one.