A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini

Cover of A Thousand Splendid Suns

Borrowed this book from my college library. This book has been the cause behind my negligence in studies for the week! Utterly engaging, especially the 2nd half of the book...

Synopsis:

Mariam is the illegitimate child of a rich cinema owner, Jalil (who already has 3 wives and 10 kids!) She lives with her mother, Nana, at the outskirts of a village, away from the prejudiced eyes of the people. Seeking for some sort of repentance, Jalil visits them weekly, much to the delight of Mariam. But Nana could never forgive Jalil. Nana as told to Mariam:

Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam.

By a twist of fate, Mariam's quaint life, secluded from the rest of the world, was disturbed and at the age of 15, she was wedded off to Rasheed, a shoe shop owner in the city. Her carefree life takes a dramatic turn. It is only sixteen years later when a teenager, Laila emerges in her life, that she finds true meaning of love.

Afterthought:
Truly heart-wrenching! I cried twice T.T A terrible, stark naked revelation of Afghan women beneath the burqa, the endless silent suffering that women with nasty husbands have to endure.

The novel also portrays 30 turbulent years of Afghanistan life. Bombs dropped upon them like rain, due to power struggles, revolts, even intervention from the US government after 9/11 attack.

Should I read it?
Extremely well written! Liked it as much as the Kite Runner ^^

I would give it a: 4.9/5.0