A review by miak2
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
"Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Miriam."

This was the most beautifully written, heartbreaking story I've ever read and I'm so so glad for it. 370 pages and I feel like my life has irrevocably changed. It's so easy to read harrowing news on our phones, have a brief moment of empathy, and move on with our days. But reading about all of the atrocities in this book, page after page, in vivid detail - it was incredibly hard but equally important.

Miriam and Laila's stories just absolutely GUTTED me. Every time it seemed like things might look up for them, life dealt them another cruel hand.

Not only did I learn a lot through the course of this book, but I also feel like I've grown a great deal more compassionate and empathetic. While I'd encourage anyone and everyone to read this one, please be aware that a lot of content in this book is upsetting. 
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