A Thousand Splendid Suns

Good

Beautiful and sad.

Currently listening on audiobook and enjoying so much!

AMAZING book

As a western female this book created a visceral response in me. The treatment of some of the women angered me so much I thought I may not be able to finish the book, especially since I know how accurate it is among too many regions in the world. I did finish the book and was somewhat placated by the hopeful ending (despite the Taliban retaking control in recent months and their closing of all women‘s schools). This book reveals some of the beauty of Afghan culture, mixed with the sorrow of what seems to be a never ending war. It reveals an underlying theme throughout all parts of the world, which is that the majority of people just want to get on with living their lives. It is beautifully written and has multiple characters to which the reader can create an emotional bond. But, to me, it also reinforced my dislike for people and practices that place one person‘s life (i.e a man‘s life) above another person‘s life (i.e. a woman‘s life).

One of my all time favourite books. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece that explores the lives of two women, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's violent history. The book is about the struggles and brutality faced by women and about the bond that grows between them.