Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This novel is a deeply sad story that brings the readers into a life of two Afghani women in the midst of a brutal war. This story explores many dark themes, and there is really not much hope found in the pages.
I could not give this book 5 stars because how dark it was without a true ray of hope that helps these characters endure the horrendous mistreatment. As a Christian, I am disheartened on how faith was depicted. There God was used more for tradition and justification when the One True God is not. God is a personal, loving God that sees value and worth in all His creatures that He created. It is sad to see how man has warped His character to bring about misogyny and polygamy.
With that being said, I cannot discredit the author’s gripping writing style that got me emotionally invested from the beginning. I cannot deny the truth in this story by sharing a glimpse of the 30+ years of hard life in Afghanistan. I respect that this book brings perspective to what life was like in other countries. It has given me gratitude for my freedom as a woman and a Christian in America. It reduces any sense of entitlement. Everything I have is a blessing from God, and I am grateful.
This book is a good, but hard to read. If anyone wants to learn more about Afghani culture in a war-torn season while exploring female resilience and friendship, then this is the book!
I could not give this book 5 stars because how dark it was without a true ray of hope that helps these characters endure the horrendous mistreatment. As a Christian, I am disheartened on how faith was depicted. There God was used more for tradition and justification when the One True God is not. God is a personal, loving God that sees value and worth in all His creatures that He created. It is sad to see how man has warped His character to bring about misogyny and polygamy.
With that being said, I cannot discredit the author’s gripping writing style that got me emotionally invested from the beginning. I cannot deny the truth in this story by sharing a glimpse of the 30+ years of hard life in Afghanistan. I respect that this book brings perspective to what life was like in other countries. It has given me gratitude for my freedom as a woman and a Christian in America. It reduces any sense of entitlement. Everything I have is a blessing from God, and I am grateful.
This book is a good, but hard to read. If anyone wants to learn more about Afghani culture in a war-torn season while exploring female resilience and friendship, then this is the book!
emotional
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is heartbreaking so many times, but it is written so beautifully. It follows the lives of two Afghan women over the years, set against the backdrop of war. The events in the story feel even more devastating knowing they reflect the ongoing reality for so many women. It’s feels unfair that they have to be so strong in an oppressive society, but their resilience is so inspiring. What touched me most was how the two women found family and compassion in each other after being through so much.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What an amazing story! This book touched a deep part of myself, and I have never felt so compassionate or empathetic to the survivors and refugees of tragedies like the one's depicted in this book. This book was a roller coaster of emotions, and the final line just killed me. What a bittersweet and beautiful story. Human nature, suffering, sacrifice, this book has it all.
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Wonderfully written, but riddled with heartache and regret.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book 27 of 2025: A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
Mariam is only fifteen years old when she is sent to marry Rasheed. Nearly twenty years later she finds herself befriending Lalia, a young teenager who finds herself in a similar situation. When the Taliban take over, life becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear.
Review:
⭐️ 5/5
An incredible story, so powerful and moving, it has really stuck with me and taught me a lot. Both Mariam and Lalia’s stories are heartbreaking, but their eventual friendship is beautiful. It is incredibly sad reading this story knowing that war still persists in the world and that it is always civilians who ultimately pay the price. I think it is incredibly important to tell human stories within the context of history to educate people further, and encourage people to recognise the realities of war. I’d strongly recommend this book, just be prepared to cry!
Challenges:
📚Books in 2025: 27/100
📚2025 52 Book Club Mini Challenges: 2/28
📚Prompt #2 of the 2025 March ‘Spring Cleaning’ 52 Book Club Challenge: The Last Book You Acquired But Haven’t Read
📚 Nabi Book Club: March - Gabby’s Pick
Book Information:
📖 Pages: 432
📖 Format: Paperback
📖 Type: Fiction
📖 Genre: Historical, Contemporary, Literary
Favourite Quotes:
“Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman”
“How quietly we ensure all that falls upon us”