Our second book of 2010
A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini (2007)
Brief synopsis
This is a story of the lives of 2 women, born some 20 years apart, who live through the tumultuous times of the last 30 years in Afghanistan. It portrays their strength in the face of adversity and the development of a friendship which grew out of animosity.
Our discussion
We began with discussing the main characters in the book and the scenes in the story which most moved/impressed us. It then led to a discussion of the the value of education and condition of women in general in the Arab world.
- Is Rasheed a truly evil man or is he a victim of circumstances as well?
- The quest for happiness for both women in an environment of abuse, betrayal and hardship
- The beautiful relationships between the two women at the end, between Laila and Tariq, Mariam and Mullah Faizullah, Laila and her father, Mariam and Aziza
- This book shows that even in a cultured society, women are taken advantage of in times of war and religious extremism
- Although the story is about the oppression of women, it is also one of hope. You also see the beauty of the Afghan society and culture through the eyes of Laila's educated father, the celebration of the Muslim faith through the Mullahs and Mariam's teaching of the Koran to Aziza
For those of us who have read the previous book The Kite Runner, this second novel is just as satisfying. We like Hosseini's writing style and to learn more about his background, his character choices and conditions in Afghanistan, there are interesting discussion videos on his website : http://www.khaledhosseini.com/index.htm
Our next book is The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer & Annie Burrow
We have given A Thousand Splendid Suns 9 out of 10
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