Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns

Posted on January 21, 2024 Creative Corner, Opinions

Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Fiction, Historical

Review by Irtiza Yousuf (PG Sem 1)

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is Khaled Hosseni’s another beautifully and well crafted novel that takes the readers on an emotionally charged journey revolving around the lives of two Afghan Women, Mariam and Laila, set on the backdrop of the war torn Afghanistan from 1970s to the early 2000s.

Plot:

The writer intricately builds the stories of the two characters and brings them together in an unlikely but powerful way. The plot goes around exploring the impact of war , politics and Taliban’s regime on the life of common people especially women and at the same time plays with the themes of love, sacrifice, betrayal and resilience. The main theme of the book still remains sacrifice and bonds that go beyond blood. The author’s ability to create a gripping and heart-wrenching plot keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Characters:

Hosseini’s characters are ortrayed with depth and complexity. Mariam and Laila from two diverse backgrounds are strong protagonists whose resilience in the face of their similar adversities resonate throughout the story. The supporting characters add layers to the narrative, making it rich and multifaceted.

Setting:

Hosseni skillfully captures the essence of his homeland , Afghanistan’s changing landscape both politically and culturally. He takes us back to kabul, its problems and makes it an enthralling experience altogether.

Themes:

The book explores many themes such as gender inequality, the impact of war on civilians, domestic violence and agility of human spirit. Hosseni has worked on these issues with great sensitivity and captured the nuances of simple Afghan people.

Writing Style:

Hosseni as always keeps the writing simple but poignant. His ability to convey the characters’ emotions and the atmosphere of each scene adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The use of symbolism and metaphors enhances the storytelling, creating a lasting impact. He of all people has to be the most well versed with capturing the essence of Afghanistan and the problems people face there.

Criticism:

While “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is widely praised, there are some  aspects that may be considered drawbacks:

1. Somewhere down the line the story tends to get a little predictable.
2. Natives accuse Hosseni of romanticizing the certain aspects of Afghan culture.
3. Gender stereotype is a growling problem in the novel.
4. The novel is too strong on the emotional ride and may not go well with some people.

Conclusion:

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that transcends cultural boundaries. Khaled Hosseini’s storytelling prowess, coupled with the exploration of profound themes, makes this book a compelling read. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit, leaving readers with a mix of heartache and hope that lingers long after the final page. A must read for someone who is just beginning reading.