A Thousand Splendid Suns
Khaled Hosseini
“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,
Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”
I’m not into historical fiction, I was skeptical about picking up the book. I even felt bored through the first few pages, but I’m glad I stayed.
A thousand splendid suns is a masterpiece by Khaled Hosseini that moves you in unexpected ways. Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American writer born in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is an extraordinary storyteller whose works are infused with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the lives of every character. Most of Hosseini’s works centre around love, compassion and, the pain of separation. 'A thousand splendid suns' is no exception. This historical fiction set in Afghanistan is sure to be an eye-opener; one that fills you with a renewed passion for life as you turn the last page of the soul-stirring epic.
The novel shook me to the core and blazed me from within. It was one of those few books that broke my heart, yet entranced me. Hosseini has powerfully portrayed the inhuman nature of war and its impact on people with brutal honesty. Inequality and predicament of women are also a major part of the novel; no other writer could more explicitly depict the true face of Afghanistan and its women’s struggles. Gender roles, social norms and taboos are questioned.
“Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing fingers always finds a woman. Always.”
I was captivated by Hosseini’s compelling narrative and finished the book in one sitting. I had to stop at places to shed tears, to smile with hope, to heave a sigh or, to stare at disbelief as the character’s lives are shattered in the blink of an eye. But no, I wouldn’t classify this as a sad read; I left feeling grateful and at peace. The book opened my eyes to the sufferings of humankind that I did not know about. The writing is exquisite, the characters are powerful and mature, the story is beautiful and crushing. I love how every character is brought to life by Hosseini’s rare ability to pen intricate human emotions. This is a book I’ll always hold close to my heart for I can never forget how it made me feel. The suffering of women, the difficult circumstances they find themselves in, the extraordinary courage they portray and, the immense power of unconditional love, softens even the hardest of hearts.
I have to warn you though, this is not an easy read. It is an emotional roller coaster and not what you'd want to read if you're looking for an escape from reality. Nevertheless, I rate this a 5 star. There is not a thing I didn’t like about the book. It’s emotional, engrossing, paining, and strikingly beautiful. I recommend it to every reader looking for a heart-touching and gripping read. Hosseini’s other famous works “The kite runner” and “The mountains echoed” have earned a place in my reading list.
Pic courtesy: Pinterest
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