Thousand Splendid Suns, A
Hosseini, KhaledAgainst the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan, Mariam was forced to marry forty-year-old Rasheed when she was only fifteen years old. Then, eighteen years later, her still childless husband angrily takes an even younger wife. Hosseini renders the story of Mariam and her "sister/daughter", Laila, with persuasive detail and consummate humanity. Their abject situation leaves them no emotional space for idle philosophising; their resistance is from the very core of their being. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
A book to remember - so many different facets in it...many could not put it down until the last page was turned. Tauranga 005Everyone rated this book very highly...The author is an excellent storyteller and writes well. He managed to write the female characters very convincingly. Christchurch 001Group really enjoyed the book even though the violent beatings were graphic. [It] gave a good view of life under the Taleban. Southbridge 001Everybody thought it was well worth reading but a painful experience.Several had read the 'The Kite Runner' and found it easier reading. Katikati 001Some members loved it, others less so but it generated good polemic discussion on various topics related to women's rights, the right to judge other cultures and their customs. Christchurch 152Couldn't put it down, gripping. Introduction to a life we have no inkling about. Interesting but disheartening. Wellington 036Almost all of our group found this book an easy read. Although this is a grim story the author's excellent writing gave us an insight into what life is like for women in Afghanistan, where men hold the power and women are considered worthless. Christchurch 071
Pages
372
372
Year
2007
2007
Reviews
19-09-2023
A gripping story enjoyed by all. Even more poignant with the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
29-05-2023
Absolutely everyone gave this book 5 stars. A torturous read, where one knew the ending wasn't going to be what was hoped for, but the author had us captivated and unable to put it down. Not a light read by any means, but a gripping tale that gave us insight into the plight of women under Taliban rule and a glimpse of what life was like for them prior to them taking power.
16-05-2022
Great book - we all liked it.
21-03-2018
We were all very impressed by the book - we had selected the title because we had enjoyed The Kite Runner. We were NOT disappointed, and thought it a most compelling read. We were also impressed by the notes, which encouraged several of us to get a copy of this book in order to re-read it.
21-03-2018
A very interesting book, although very sad. The way women were treated made us realise how lucky we are to live in NZ. The historic aspect of changes in Afghanistan enlightened us, but the actual characters and the way the women were treated by men and the cruel limitations on their way of life by the Taliban, brought some of us to tears. Khaled Hosseini's language, descriptions and writing in general were vivid and held our interest right through to the end. We all rated the book 'Excellent'.
21-03-2018
Some struggled and felt a bit depressed reading it. It made for a long discussion on the way women are treated in other cultures. We would definitely recommend to other book groups.
19-03-2018
We found this book a wonderful account of the lives of the two women, sensitively and thoroughly explored. Even though some of us had read it previously, we all found a lot that was new in it, and were horrified once more by the powerlessness of the women portrayed.
19-03-2018
We all absolutely loved this book. We cannot recommend it highly enough...what an amazing read. Not one person disliked the book. Very positive feedback. Such an eye-opener into life and relationships in the Middle East. What an absolute gem of a book!
19-03-2018
We all decided the book was very well written, and gave the readers a very insightful view into the lives of women in Afghanistan. I think we all learnt quite a bit about the recent history of the area. It affected most of us emotionally and inspired an in-depth discussion of other cultural practices, and particularly the wisdom (or otherwise) of allowing boat people and refugees into New Zealand.
19-03-2018
All except one enjoyed the powerful story of the fascinating characters involved, set against the political changes over many years. The harsh and oppressive conditions for women, especially, once again astounded us as to what the human spirit can endure and rise up from, but at a huge cost. It gave us insight into the Afghani people, attempting to go about their everyday life with factional fighting raging all about them - and the brutality, fear, loss and grief experienced. We had a great discussion, and agreed the book gave us a widened perspective and was a book not to be missed.
19-03-2018
Everyone was moved by this story. We can't believe this is happening in our lifetime.