A Thousand Splendid Suns

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns is a moving tale written by Khaled Hosseini that tells of two girls' stories as they experience struggles in Afghanistan.  The novel opens with on of the girls, Mariam who begins her troubles young as she lives with shame of her parents not being married.  After a lonely childhood Mariam travels despite her mother’s order with intentions of finding her father.  When Mariam arrives she is not allowed inside her father’s house.  After being ordered home Mariam is devastated when she finds heart-wrenching news, which leads her back to live with her father.  Once Mariam is sent to live with her father, an arranged marriage is set despite Mariam’s protests.  As Mariam struggles with the married life we are introduced to Laila, a lonely young neighbor who lives down the road from Mariam. 

            Slowly Laila and Mariam begin to confide in each other and build a relationship that provides them with hope through their hard times.  As Laila discovers a love for someone that leads to a pregnancy she loses multiple members in her life, leaving her lonely and confused.  Mariam and Laila’s relationship takes a unique turn when Mariam’s husband has a request that complicates the situation between the three characters.  Laila is forced to live against her beliefs in order to survive as she keeps a grave secret that could potentially put her life in danger. 

            An unexpected visitor causes a horrific fight between Mariam, Laila, and the husband, Rasheed. The consequences of this argument costs one of them their life.  The events of the novel show that the friendships you develop in life can surpass the most challenging obstacles.  The intriguing plot leaves the reader on the edge of their seat while providing for a loving and honorable story that brings the reader’s emotions to the pages.   This complicated and emotion filled plot creates an insight to what life would be like in a third-world country.  Hosseini creates a story that involves the culture of an unfamiliar world with the familiar emotions that we are faced with everyday. 

            I would recommend this novel to those who like a suspenseful and beautiful story.  Hosseini creates a unique plot that keeps the reader intrigued while providing descriptions of a culture that most people are unaware of.  Through out this novel, the characters are taken on an emotional journey of what it takes for a friendship to survive while enduring the hear break of loses and surprises.  If you enjoy a quick read that creates a new plot while also connecting with the characters, then A Thousand Splendid Suns is a great read for you.   This book is interesting and is extremely humbling for those who have never been exposed to an alternative lifestyle.  I recommend this book to everyone because of the emotional connection you develop with the characters while enjoying an interesting plot.