Anxious Thoughts

Venny Soldan-Brofeldt

Artist, sculptor, and jewelry designer.

Book Review – A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

  • Title:
    • A Thousand Splendid Suns
  • Author:
    • Khaled Hosseini
    • Khaled Hosseini was born to a diplomat and a Farsi/history teacher. Later in his life, his family moved to Paris for his father’s work, and they were there when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. When he was fifteen, his family came to the US as asylum seekers and settled in California. Hosseini ultimately attended Santa Clara University and later medical school. After becoming a bestselling author with the publication of The Kite Runner, Hosseini quit his job as a doctor to write full-time. In March 2003, he returned to Afghanistan and was compelled to write more about the experiences of Afghans under the Taliban. He’s also a UN goodwill ambassador and has established an organization providing humanitarian assistance to Afghans. He currently lives in Northern California.
  • Genre:
    • Historical Fiction
    • The novel takes place over approximately forty years, from the early 1970s, when Mariam is a teenager, to 2003, when Laila is settled once again in Kabul with her family. Throughout this time, Afghanistan was subjected to a series of violent, brutal wars and numerous political coups. When the story opens, Afghanistan has recently undergone a bloodless coup in 1973. In 1978, a Communist counter-coup occurs, and the Soviet Union invades in 1979. After battles with the mujahideen, or Islamic fighters supported by the United States, the Soviet Union finally withdraws its last troops in 1989 and the mujahideen take over. After a decade of bloody infighting, the Taliban seize control and establish peace but also an extremely strict Shari’a law. Finally, the book ends during the American occupation of Afghanistan following the events of September 11, 2001. Hosseini attempts to anchor the reader in this complex history, by showing how specific historical events—the departure of the Soviets from Kabul, for instance, or the arrival of the Taliban—impacts the lives of the characters. By interweaving historical facts, often with dates and leaders’ names, with the fictional narrative, Hosseini helps to breathe life into what could be a confusing historical lesson for an English-speaking audience. He also shows the extent to which politics has impacted every Afghan person’s life over the past several decades.
  • Key Facts about A Thousand Splendid Suns
    • Full Title:
      • A Thousand Splendid Suns
    • When Written:
      • 2004–2007
    • Where Written:
      • California
    • When Published:
      • 2007
    • Literary Period:
      • Contemporary
    • Genre:
      • Novel
      • Historical Fiction
    • Setting:
      • Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan
    • Climax:
      • As Rasheed is preparing to choke Laila to death, Mariam kills him with a shovel—thus ensuring both her death, but also a hopeful future for Laila and her family.
    • Antagonist:
      • Rasheed
      • The Taliban
    • Point of View:
      • The story is told in the third person, alternating between Laila’s and Mariam’s point of view—the sections and chapters specify which one.
      • The narrator never deviates from the perspective of each woman, but sometimes provides foreshadowing hints to the reader concerning what awaits the characters.

——————————————————————————

A Thousand Splendid Suns, penned by Khaled Hosseini, is a masterpiece that takes readers on a memorable journey through the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, against the backdrop of a war-torn Afghanistan. With his poignant storytelling, Hosseini captures the heartbreak, resilience, and strength of these women as they navigate the challenges of love, family, and survival.

One of the remarkable aspects of Hosseini’s writing is his ability to evoke powerful emotions through vivid and evocative imagery. From the opening pages, Hosseini invites the reader to the streets of Kabul, experiencing the bustling marketplaces, the scents of saffron and cardamom, and the vibrant colours of the city. For instance, when describing Mariam’s childhood home, Hosseini writes, “The Walls of the Kolba were made of clay, held together by straw and globs of mud. The floor was made of dirt, and the flat roof was made of wooden beams and reeds.” This attention to detail creates a palpable sense of place, immersing the reader in the characters’ world.

Also, the author skillfully employs symbolism to convey deeper themes and ideas. One recurring symbol is the pomegranate tree, which represents the characters’ desires for love, connection, and freedom. In a bittersweet scene, Mariam recalls her mother’s words: “A man’s heart is a wretched, wretched thing, Mariam Jo. It isn’t like a mother’s womb. It won’t bleed. It won’t stretch to make room for you.” Here, the pomegranate tree becomes a symbol of unfulfilled hopes and the yearning for nurturing and acceptance.

Hosseini’s characters are richly developed, each with their distinct voice, motivations, and struggles. Mariam, the illegitimate daughter who grows up in poverty and faces a loveless marriage, evolves from a timid girl to a strong woman who finds her authority. Laila, on the other hand, represents the hope and resilience of a younger generation, caught in the crossfire of war and political turmoil. The dynamics between these two women are complex and heart-wrenching, as they navigate friendship, love, and the shared struggle against oppressive forces.

The author’s portrayal of the female experience in Afghanistan is both honest and thought-provoking. He shines a light on the systemic oppression faced by women, from the restrictive practices dictated by the Taliban to the pervasive domestic violence within households. Through Mariam and Laila, Hosseini exposes the injustice and brutality that women endure, but he also highlights their remarkable resilience and capacity for love. Despite the challenges they face, these women rise above their circumstances and forge deep connections, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit.

Hosseini’s storytelling isn’t limited to the personal journeys of Mariam and Laila; he weaves their lives into the broader historical and political context of Afghanistan. He presents a nuanced portrayal of war’s devastating impact on individuals and communities, capturing the loss, displacement, and destruction that occurs during times of conflict. The author’s meticulous research and attention to historical details lend authenticity to the narrative, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of Afghanistan’s tumultuous past.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a testament to Hosseini’s ability to tackle profound themes with grace and sensitivity. He weaves love, sacrifice, redemption, and the enduring power of hope throughout the story, offering glimpses of light in the darkest of circumstances. Hosseini’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, allowing readers to connect easily with the characters and their experiences. His writing style conveys a balance of simplicity and depth, making the novel accessible to many readers without compromising its emotional impact.

The pacing of the story is masterfully executed, with moments of tension and suspense interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes. Hosseini’s use of flashbacks and shifts in perspective keeps the narrative engaging and offers insights into the characters’ pasts, motivations, and relationships. The alternating perspectives of Mariam and Laila provide a comprehensive view of their lives and experiences, enriching the reader’s understanding of their intertwined fates.

What truly sets A Thousand Splendid Suns apart is its ability to elicit a myriad of emotions from its readers. Hosseini doesn’t shy away from exploring the depths of human suffering, and the pain and injustice portrayed in the novel can be difficult to bear. However, amidst the darkness, moments of love, tenderness, and resilience shine through, leaving readers with a sense of hope and inspiration.

The strength of A Thousand Splendid Suns lies in its ability to shed light on the universal aspects of the human experience. While the story is deeply rooted in the Afghan culture and history, its themes of love, loss, family, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul resonate across borders and cultures. It’s a testament to the power of literature to bridge gaps and foster empathy.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is an extraordinary work of historical fiction that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Khaled Hosseini’s ability to craft deeply layered characters, evoke powerful emotions through vivid imagery, and explore complex themes with grace and sensitivity make this novel a truly unforgettable reading experience. It’s a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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Navigating life’s uncertainties, one word at a time

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