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brownbagbargainbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
4.0
ed_moore's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Hosseini’s ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ is the tale of two women surviving through the patriarchy and political turmoil of Afghanistan, this being the control of the soviets, violence and civil war between different rebel factions and the rise of the Taliban. It was a brutal and honest depiction of Afghanistan’s struggles which didn’t shy away from depicting the true horrors of living there from starvation, violence and patriarchal control, to war and occupation and the labours of childbirth.
It is difficult not to reflect on this alongside the other work of Hosseini’s that I have read: ‘The Kite Runner’ and whilst I preferred the longer term focus on the turmoils of Afghanistan which was lost in ‘The Kite Runner’s’ movement to America, I did however find myself much more attached to the characters of that book and to be more emotionally impacted by such. That may be down to gender resonance. That is not to discredit from ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ however, as it was still utterly heart-wrenching and persistently took from the reader alike to the persistent theft of the livelihoods of Laila and Mariam. His use of foreshadowing is also really effective but in cases a bit explicit, it is clear when such is occurring but I would conclude it still works well.
Reading in todays political climate, with the return of the Taliban plaguing Afghanistan, it was also likely more harrowing and impactful than it would likely be if I read such when it was published. Knowing the country has regressed to the under-occupation state it faced in the book after 20 years independence and rebuilding was constantly on my mind and made every tragedy Hosseini described even more saddening and relevant. Hosseini really has a talent for tugging on the heart strings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, War, Sexism, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, and Suicide
mshayesteh007's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
5.0
jennyxnt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
miunelly's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book itself is a very heavy and emotional story and is incredibly well written, however I was often bored in the beginning. Eventually things got interesting, and it is cool to see accurate historical moments in chronological order as time goes by in the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Miscarriage, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual violence, and War
epic_novella's review against another edition
5.0
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a breathtaking masterpiece that illuminates the resilience of the human spirit amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan's history.
Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns follows the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two women from vastly different backgrounds whose fates become inexorably linked. Through their alternating perspectives, Hosseini crafts a sweeping narrative that spans decades, offering a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. Mariam and Laila are both complex and compelling protagonists, each navigating their own struggles and traumas with courage and resilience. As their lives intersect and intertwine, readers are drawn into a story of profound emotional depth and poignancy.
Hosseini's prose is as lyrical as it is evocative, painting a vivid portrait of Afghanistan's landscapes and cultures while also delving into the intimate intricacies of human relationships. From the bustling streets of Kabul to the tranquil beauty of the countryside, the novel's settings come alive on the page, immersing readers in a world that is both familiar and foreign.
At its core, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a testament to the indomitable strength of women in the face of adversity. Through Mariam and Laila's experiences, the novel shines a light on the resilience, courage, and compassion that can flourish even in the darkest of times. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the capacity of the human heart to endure and overcome.
In conclusion, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece of storytelling that will leave readers spellbound from beginning to end. With its compelling characters, richly textured prose, and profound exploration of love and loss, Khaled Hosseini's novel is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Afghanistan and the resilience of the human spirit.
Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns follows the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two women from vastly different backgrounds whose fates become inexorably linked. Through their alternating perspectives, Hosseini crafts a sweeping narrative that spans decades, offering a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. Mariam and Laila are both complex and compelling protagonists, each navigating their own struggles and traumas with courage and resilience. As their lives intersect and intertwine, readers are drawn into a story of profound emotional depth and poignancy.
Hosseini's prose is as lyrical as it is evocative, painting a vivid portrait of Afghanistan's landscapes and cultures while also delving into the intimate intricacies of human relationships. From the bustling streets of Kabul to the tranquil beauty of the countryside, the novel's settings come alive on the page, immersing readers in a world that is both familiar and foreign.
At its core, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a testament to the indomitable strength of women in the face of adversity. Through Mariam and Laila's experiences, the novel shines a light on the resilience, courage, and compassion that can flourish even in the darkest of times. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the capacity of the human heart to endure and overcome.
In conclusion, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece of storytelling that will leave readers spellbound from beginning to end. With its compelling characters, richly textured prose, and profound exploration of love and loss, Khaled Hosseini's novel is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Afghanistan and the resilience of the human spirit.
manderzreadz's review against another edition
5.0
Probably the most powerful book I’ve read all year. It’s been on my TBR for a while now, but I picked it up with everything going on in Afghanistan. This book gave me a more humble perspective and a state of prayer for this country and the women and Christians being silenced. We are with you. We hear you.