Posted on January 3rd, 2008 by Leisa
Filed under: Book Reviews
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, is the perfect book to read if you are feeling sorry for yourself. You’ll quickly be grateful for what you do have.
The story is set Afghanistan and chronicles the life of two women, Miriam and Laila, whose intertwined lives are forced upon them. Miriam’s childhood isn’t an easy one as she is an illegitimate daughter and is forced to live on the outskirts of Herat, in a small with a mother who has a terrible view of life due to the circumstances she finds herself in. Her father lives in town with his wives, and many children who partake in a lavish lifestyle that is such a contrast to Miriams.
As sad as Miriam’s childhood is her life doesn’t get any better. Upon her mothers death she is married off to an man who is both physically and mentally abusive. Things escalate when Mariam is not able to have children. Her husband takes a second wife in an effort to get a son.
Mariam over time Mariam and Laila develop a friendship while war tears the country apart as the countries leadership is transferred from one political group to another.
The story is filled with tragedy after tragedy but outlines the resiliency of the human spirit and the strength of friendship.
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