A Thousand Splendid Suns ~
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the story of two women from Afghanistan. This story is about the heartbreak and unique suffering that women in this area of the world must succumb to at the hands of men, societal judgments, and seemingly never ending war. It’s horrifying to read what these two women have to go through, suffering that I can only imagine, thankfully. Yet, these women endure and carve out little pieces of hope in their unforgiving existences.
A Thousand Splendid Suns author, Khaled Hosseini, is from Afghanistan and moved to the United States in 1980, which makes this book all the more real and believable for me. I read “The Kite Runner” a few years ago and feel that it is one of the best books I have ever read. For me, this book surpasses “The Kite Runner.” I don’t often give books 5 stars as I think “How many best books can there be?” but, for this book {as with “The Kite Runner”} it is well deserved. Hosseini is a brilliant writer and his books break my heart for the plight of his characters.
If memory serves me correctly, Hosseini only seems to come out with a book about every 5 years. If that is how long it takes to write a masterpiece, than I wish other authors would quit spitting out books twice a year that become exponentially crappier as the years go by {You know who I am talking about, James Patterson}. I wish that I could find more books to read like this – books that move me and make me yearn for more and genuinely worry about the characters when the book is over. {Somebody, kill Alex Cross already!}
To me, this book is not just something to read to pass your time. It is important. No matter what your feelings are about war, our involvement in the Middle East, or your political affiliations, I think that you can find something to take away from this book. This book is about empathy and survival and I would put “A Thousand Splendid Suns” right up there with “Of Mice and Men” and “1984” as must-reads. I would recommend it to anyone who has a single empathetic bone in their body.
I can not wait until Hosseini writes his next book.
Check out my books on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/profile/Cinna
I recently read a book that had a story about how women are treated in this area. It wasn’t the main story, but it was heart breaking to read that part of the story. This sounds like an interesting, but heavy read.
Do you remember what that book was called? It sounds like something that I would enjoy. 🙂
Dawn
I absolutely loved this book. We read it in our local book club a few years ago and it really hit home. The book hit home when the main character went through the same loss I did. I loved the way Housseini writes and cannot wait to see what he comes out with next.
Have you read “The Kite Runner” by him, as well? If not, you should. It is so good. 🙂
Dawn
Oh wow, this sounds like a fantastic book!
Great review Dawn! I loved Kite Runner, will have to look this one up. Afghanis live in a war-torn society that has broken all their spirits and unfortunately the last ones to be taken care of are the women and children. 🙁
Thanks Isra! Yes, definitely look it up. This book is so enlightening.
Dawn
I’ve not read this book but have heard great things through the book blogger community. I don’t read much fiction. Good luck on making it to 60 books!
Thanks! I have managed to stay either “on track” or “1 book ahead” according to Goodreads. So, if I stay at this rate, I will make it!
Dawn
Looks like a very interesting book. Thank You for the info
i haven’t read about this book yet..mmmm..thanks for sharing, i’ll try to get a copy of this..looks interesting..
Hopping from Grand Event Alexa Drop..
Hi,
I work for Mr. Hosseini and thought you all might be interested in this:
Mr. Hosseini is not only an amazing author, he is also an amazing humanitarian. Mr. Hosseini created The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. The Foundation supports projects which provide shelter to refugee families and economic and education opportunities and healthcare for women and children. To learn more about his Foundation, please visit http://www.khaledhosseinifoundation.org.
Also, he is currently writing his third novel. Keep your eyes open for something someday soon…
You’re right. 🙂 He has lots of great info on his website about his humanitarian work, along with podcasts and interviews. I am glad that you informed us that he is working on his 3rd novel. I was wondering about that and couldn’t find anything on his website about it. 🙂 Do you have any idea when an expected release date is?
Dawn
I did not read the Kite Runner, although I did see the movie, and that it was amazing. I might have to pick this one up to read!
I have not seen the Kite Runner movie… I need to see that. 🙂 I know that the book was great!
Dawn
Always great to find a book that not only is enjoyable to read but can change your world!
I loved the book, but it was so sad 🙁 Amazing writing though!
This sounds very good. I am going to add to my wish list and get it soon, thanks!
I haven’t read this one yet, but I have it on my shelf!!!
I had this one on my shelf, too, for a long time, before I ever decided to read it. It was so worth it when I finally got to it!
Dawn