Discussions
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Sadiejane
The same thought crossed my mind about the orphanage. Unfortunately, I loaned my copy of The Kite Runner to someone, so I couldn't go back and check. Has anyone verified whether it's the same man?
Nice interview with the author in the Washington Post on Monday, BTW.posted 6 years ago.
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carlags
The name of the director of the orphanage in The Kite Runner is Zaman, whose lenses were broken when Farid attacked him. I loaned my copy of ATSS, so I'm not able to check the name of the director in that book. What fabulous books! ~ Carla
posted 6 years ago.
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Sadiejane
Got it! Page 281 -- "The orphanage director was a stooping, narrow-chested man with a pleasantly lined face. He was balding, had a shaggy beard, eyes like peas. His name was Zaman."
The same character as in his first book.posted 6 years ago.
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Javacat
Haha! I just looked it up too! I love it that he kept one of the same characters! I felt so badly for him in Kite Runner because his glasses were broken. I thought it was wonderful in A Thousand Splendid Suns how Zaman finally get some new glasses. I hope that's not much of a spoiler.
posted 6 years ago.
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Stiletto Storytime
Wow, that is wonderful that he kept a character for the second book. I did not even notice. I am going to hear him speak this month at our Annual ALA conference, I am needless to say very excited. Maybe he might shed some light into that!
posted 6 years ago.
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Sadiejane
You are so lucky! I'd love to meet him and hear him speak. Is he going to be signing books, too? Please let us know how it goes. Have fun!
posted 6 years ago.
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Javacat
The same orphanage?
I noticed that the orphanage master in ATSS had glasses with a broken lens as in the Kite Runner. Can anyone remember the name of the Master from the Kite runner? I'm trying to reconcile in my mind if they are the same person, thus the same orphanage.posted 6 years ago.
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Literanista
I don't cry very easily but that's twice now, this man has made me cry over his pages. I read this book in three days. I complety missed that connection of the same character from the first novel and my only negative criticism is that I thought the leap from Mariam to Laila was too wide and I wish Mariam had gotten some sort of good thing happen to her. It was overall an excellent read from a wonderful writer.
posted 6 years ago.
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Icedream
I loved this book. Hosseini is a gifted writer. I enjoyed this book just as much a Kite Runner.
posted 5 years ago.
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glenda23
I thought this book was very well written. The storyline was so gripping I couldn't put it down. I really liked how he paralleled the two womens lives and how they eventually converged into one. It was amazing that despite all the herendous things that life had thrown at each of them they were still able to experience happiness and love. I became emersed in the tale and found myself crying as I read about these two women who lost almost everyone they loved to violence in Afghanistan.
posted 5 years ago.
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cama
It's amazing what the human spirit can endure and deliver in adverse circumstances.
posted 5 years ago.
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Glorybee
Was anyone let down by this book? I didn't think he could write another book this good. But I was undone by it.
posted 5 years ago.
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leelee72
This was an incredible book! I could not put the book down and stayed up until 2 am reading it. I have not read Kite Runner but plan to read it soon. This book has opened my eyes to other parts of the world and made me feel so thankful and fortunate for the freedoms that I have as a woman.
posted 5 years ago.
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leelee72
This was an incredible book! I could not put the book down and stayed up until 2 am reading it. I have not read Kite Runner but plan to read it soon. This book has opened my eyes to other parts of the world and made me feel so thankful and fortunate for the freedoms that I have as a woman.
posted 5 years ago.
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drsmita
very beautifully written book... at certain places there were tears in my eyes... teaches us to thank God for what we have, and how lucky we are.. coz people survive thru worse lives..
posted 5 years ago.
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leelee72
I felt more connected with the characters in this book. Kite Runner was a great book but I was extremely moved (emotionally) by this book. I read it a month ago and I am still thinking about the book.
posted 5 years ago.
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koren56
I will never see Afghani women in the same light again. Every time I see them in a picture or on television I will think of the women in this book.
posted 5 years ago.
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nandagopala
good follow up
had a deja vu about the hospital part
no idea why
the bamiyan buddha part made me cry
and of course kudos for his take on afghan women
engrossing read
but thought end sort of petered downposted 5 years ago.
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nandagopala
good follow up
had a deja vu about the hospital part
no idea why
the bamiyan buddha part made me cry
and of course kudos for his take on afghan women
engrossing read
but thought end sort of petered downposted 5 years ago.
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nandagopala
good follow up
had a deja vu about the hospital part
no idea why
the bamiyan buddha part made me cry
and of course kudos for his take on afghan women
engrossing read
but thought end sort of petered downposted 5 years ago.
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audlee
Great read. Khaled Hosseini does not disappoint with his bittersweet endings. A great 2nd novel. Kept me riveted up until the very end. I couldn't wait to read on. The reader can get an intimate viewpoint of life as a woman in such a suppressive society. Makes you appreciate what you do have and not what you don't.
posted 5 years ago.
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FLreader
I enjoyed this book a little more that The Kite Runner. It really is interesting, to know how hard life for the two women was, and I feel like it must be pretty true, given all the things you see on the news each evening. You really do feel for the women in this book!
posted 5 years ago.
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Juicemom
I finished this book while camping. It was so good I just could not put it down. I definitely liked this better than The Kite Runner, though I loved that book too.
When Miriam finally had enough of the brutal behaviour and sacrificed herself for Laila and the children was so sad. I just could not stop crying. I just wanted her to have some happiness in her life - she so deserved that! I was very pleased that Laila finally got her picture in the paper *smile*posted 5 years ago.
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Shaif
Awesome book!
IIts a story about life in Afganistan and what seems like a news headline to most of us! Probably, he has used Mariam and Laila, the two protagnists, to give us an insight. And although it can be construed as a women focussed book, for me its a continuation from 'The Kite Runner' ........... a story of a common man in Afghanistan, and may be many other such countries!posted 5 years ago.
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BookDecap
I agree this book is even better than the Kite Runner (Masterpiece in itself). Kudos Hosseini.
posted 5 years ago.
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Perpetual_intellectual removed this reply 5 years ago
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JennyLee
I just finished it. I still have tears in my eyes. Incredible, incredible story. Aside from Kite Runner, I doubt I'll ever read another like it. I hope he writes another soon. I'm already starving for it.
posted 5 years ago.
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Jamilah removed this reply 5 years ago
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Jamilah
Okay, I finished it. I feel so bad for Mariam. I also felt that she was the stronger character between the two.
It was sad, but all too realistic.posted 5 years ago.
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Jamilah removed this reply 5 years ago
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augrads
It surprises me, but I did not enjoy this as much as I enjoyed The Kite Runner. While the women's issues addressed in the book resonated with me, I did not feel the characters were as multi-faceted as in his first novel.
posted 5 years ago.
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Sukanya
My reaction to this book was very similar to yours. The Kite Runner had a certain lightness as well. We're discussing Thousand Splendid Suns at our next book club meeting in October. It will be interesting to hear more reactions to the book then.
posted 5 years ago.
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damyanty
The kite Runner was a difficult act to follow but Hosseini has managed it. Much more sober than Kite runner still quiet gripping. The intermingling of fact and fiction is the author's strong point.
posted 5 years ago.
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klee50
I liked both Kite Runner and 1000 Suns.
The focus on the plight of women in Afganistan in Suns made it compelling for me. The protagonists' sense of self, the development of their partnership and their emerging feminism are themes I've found I like in other books I've read.posted 5 years ago.
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anuragvaish
Sorry, wrote about the Half a yellow sun instead of the 1000 splendid suns. this one is great as well. two in a row for Hosseni.
posted 5 years ago.
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Very moving and disturbing book....one couldn't help but get wrapped up in the lives of Miriam and Laila. Rarely do I find a writer whose style is such that I get that wrapped up in a character, let alone two of them. Recommended reading for anyone who thinks their life in the US is so bad!
posted 5 years ago.
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Azadeh Z
i suggest every one to read this book . I was totally shoked and it was very hard for me to breath dueing this wonderful book and i should confess that i loved those two women maryam and lila .....
posted 5 years ago.
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Shirley B
It has been along time since a book has stayed with me as this one has. Exploring violence (both in war and domestic), and the plight of women in Afghanistan, it is at times very disturbing. However, that is the power of the novel, as well as the very beautiful relationship that develops between the two main female characters. It affects the reader on many levels and Americans, especially women, should read this.
posted 5 years ago.
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adite99
I have mixed feelings about this book. Intellectually, this book appealed to me in every way. its message about violence at war affects women as well as the brutal face of domestic violence is universal. The book is extremely well written and like the author's debut novel, Kite Runner, evokes a feel of Afghanistan beautifully. The relationship between the two women characters is beautifully rendered. And yet, I had this feeling of 'something is missing'. i have thought about it for days after i read the book and still haven't found what the missing link is...perhaps I felt a sense of disappointment that it wasn't as mind-blowing as Kite Runner was. Somewhere the situations seemed a little cliched - there was a sense of been-there-done-that...Perhaps I am not being fair to the author who is such a tremendous talent for story telling!
posted 5 years ago.
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Kimberly C
Very intense, very violent but it helped me understand the tide of governments, writing flows well
posted 5 years ago.
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roja z
The best book ever,you can't put it down,its amazing how the author writes about an eastern life and country in another language but you still can feel the spirit.
posted 5 years ago.
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kdriscoll123
Every woman who is feeling down should read this book and realize just how lucky we are in America. Another great read from Mr. Hosseini...can't wait for the next one!!
posted 5 years ago.
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nanci
I thought it was a wonderful book and very insightful as to how the rest of the world lives, how fortunate we are and how important it is that we fight for the rights that so many are denied.
posted 5 years ago.
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curledupwithabook
i just finished reading it and more than once i had to stop and dry my eyes. it really touches your heart and is written really well.
posted 5 years ago.
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Roya P
I appreciate his book because however he is a man but he has described these two women s feeling as good as possible.
posted 5 years ago.
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farzaneh k
You Dear friends love the story because make you think about yor life and peace but do you think about the other people? AND WHY THEY MUST BE IN THIS HORRIBLE LIFE?
posted 5 years ago.
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farzaneh k
I have read this week a book by saul blue by the name of dangling man.I think it was abook like strenger by kamo. Blue was not succeed in the book.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lori T
I just finished this book and have to say I did not like it as much as I loved the Kite Runner. Not sure why exactly. It is very intense and thought provoking and extremely sad that women are treated this way at all and in such recent times.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lotusreads
Lori T, I am afraid of not liking it as much as "The Kite Runner" and that's the only reason I haven't picked it up yet.
posted 5 years ago.
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minnie
I too liked "The Kite Runner" very much and was afraid I would be let down by Hosseini's second book. However, once I picked up "A Thousand Splendid Suns" I simply could not put it down. I ended up reading it in two days! Go ahead pick it up and start reading....I'm positive you will love it even more than "The Kite Runner".
posted 5 years ago.
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Terese
I thought the writing and the story were very compelling, but reading it made me feel so bad for these people, I don't know if reading it was worth it.
posted 5 years ago.
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Quilter K
While this was a very painful book to listen to/read, it was well worth it by the time the end came near. It is a very profoundly sad at times, and horrifying as well. It is indeed haunting, heartbreaking and compelling. Hosseini is able to take his reader right into the story, and it feels as though one is right there with the characters experiencing it alongside of them. Although this was set in Afghanistan with all the horrors of being a woman there, I believe there is a universality to some of the themes within the story: domestic violence, abuse, helplessness, etc. Hosseini’s books have opened up a new culture and experience for me and caused me to have a deep appreciation for Afghani women and their suffering. Even though this is a painful story, there is much beauty within its pages.
posted 5 years ago.
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Christine C
For those of you that loved this book, try Bliss by O.Z. Livanelli. I loved Thousand Splendid Suns and Bliss was as page-turning as that.
posted 5 years ago.
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Excellent story... Gives us a flavor of what Afghanistan went through from the 70s through the early 2000s. How hard it must have been to see a civilization just crumble. I loved the story and the relationship between to Lalia and Mariam. Just beautiful... I cried and cried over the last 25 pages of the book. My tears just fell right onto the pages. It has been years, since a book moved me like this!! I give this a 5 out of 5!!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!
posted 5 years ago.
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svadhvitha v
beautiul book and an unputdownable read.this engaging story gives a really truly wonderful explanation and a realistic account of what life in Afghanistan is like for women during the war torn times.this book touches your heart and the style in which it is written,coupled with the unbounding love the 2 women have for each other during the latter stages of the book,make it the best read of its kind ever.
posted 5 years ago.
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yunir
Khaled has now published two books based on Afghanistan.
That is his strength and his niche.
Others have already jumped in the bandwagon and start to build up a market of Afghanistan-based fiction. I wonder how long this will last though.posted 5 years ago.
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Jess W
I haven't read this book but I read The Kite Runner and it's not that I didn't like it - I thought it was mildly interesting, if not predictable - it's just that I thought it read like a screen play which I found to be distracting. It was quite a while after I read it that it came out that it would be made into a movie. So I'm wary about reading yet another of his works.
posted 5 years ago.
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bhaskar s removed this reply 5 years ago
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bhaskar s removed this reply 5 years ago
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bhaskar s
I read both Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini is an extraordinary writer who could catch a period of his country in a very different way from others. While Kiter Runner had many scenes that could probably form a good script for Hollywood, A T S S was grim, realistic and moving. I haven't read in recent years a book that caught the helpless condition of women in war ravaged, ancient society steeped in mindless customs. No women has ever written about the plight of women as Hosseini has written. The women of this novel never lose hope. The book opens our eyes to the suffering of women in Islamic societies.
Bhaskar
posted 5 years ago.
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yunir
Not "in Islamic societies" but in man-dominated societies.
Is there a different? Yes.posted 5 years ago.
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Wanniewan
At first I was annoyed by switching from the life of Marianne to the life of Laila. But the story grows more intence while you are reading it. It is awful to read these life's knowing that there are women living these life's.
posted 5 years ago.
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Deborah F
I agree with JR although I think the Kite Runner was a tighter story with a clearer intention. Thousand Suns was so informative about the lives of women and the history of Afghanistan and its see-sawing back and forth between different regimes, it was deeper perhaps than KR. Anyway, I recommend it. Keep it in mind when you read the newspaper with events like recenlty in Saudi Arabia where they are beating a woman to death after she was gang raped because she was seen alone with a man who she was not related to...
posted 5 years ago.
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MoXac
Still reading this book........ it feels so real what he says,....... i feel I am witnessing the arguments b/w the girl and her mother...
posted 5 years ago.
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Dawn R
If you really liked this book, read and compare it with the two female protagonists in Umrigar's, A Space Between Us.
posted 5 years ago.
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Jenika
I've read both books and agree that comparisons can be made. I loved both - although I didn't like the ending to "A Space Between Us." Didn't ring true for me.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lali S
Tis book has left you asking for more from Khalid Hosseini. He is a remarkable story teller who took you straight into Afghanistan. You almost feel that you may be able to recognize the rough roads and the people who he has portrayed in the heart of the land. It is heart wrenching to see the suffering that Laila and Miriam went through. They are the true survivors. He should right a happier story about Laila and her new family. After all there are happy Afghanis too.
posted 5 years ago.
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sesh n
truly amazing writer. we can feel the pain, the pathos and the rustic beauty of the interior afghanistan, which otherwise is not so popular. a great reading, indeed
posted 5 years ago.
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Michael M
Maybe the best book I've read in the past 3 or months. I loved reliving history through the characters eyes. There's so much I could say about this book, but all I'll do is just say "please, read it."
posted 5 years ago.
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hazelm
It has always been an experience reading Hossieni's books. He has an amazing ability to sweep the reader off his feet and carry them to his land, to go with the flow.. Brilliant .is all that I'd like to say.
posted 5 years ago.
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Farah
This book made me cry alot. i see that many readers have written that this book is not better then Kite runner i think that its not fair that we compare the two although about the same era but here in this book khalid Hosseini works wonders with describing the perplexed emotions of women but i do agree to this that it did lack on emotions but still its unbelieveble, how did he know about those deep "women" thoughts.
"like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger will always find a women"
so very true.posted 5 years ago.
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Barbara R
Having read "The Kite Runners" by the same author, I find it so impressive that he can switch gears and write so touchingly in the voices of two Afghan women. Both are very strong women confronting a world being turned upside down as the country undergoes a total change in leadership with the suppression of women becoming stronger as the novel progresses. I highly recommend.
posted 5 years ago.
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Kelly M
# 1 for 2007. This is the best book I've read this year. It joins Kite Runner, Hosseni's breaththrough novel, as a # 1 for me. Kite Runner is a five star and better than this one but that is not to say that I didn't love Thousand Splendid Summers. It is a great story with wonderful, memorable charatcers, that kept mne emotionally invovled. A great achievement.
posted 5 years ago.
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Aashrith
Its a wonderful book....worthwhile read....brings out the intricacies of life in a very nice way...gives u a insight into the state of people living in afghanistan especially women...I could'nt put the book down once I started reading it...
posted 5 years ago.
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maryam sadeghi
I finished this book last day.it ' s good but I think his first book(the kite runner) is better .
A Thousand Splendid Suns is repetitive.posted 5 years ago.
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DianeT
I love books that not only entertain but also teach. This one is amazing and heartbraking at hte same time.
posted 5 years ago.
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DianeT
I love books that not only entertain but also teach. This one is amazing and heartbraking at hte same time.
posted 5 years ago.
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This was one of the best books I have read in a very long time. The author wrote it in such a way that I felt as though I was right there. Every emotion the characters were feeling ran right through me with every word I read. To the woman who posted before me and didn't finish the book - you might want to, it isn't as predictable as you may think.
posted 5 years ago.
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Omotola
Which one of this author's books is better - 'Kite runner' or 'A thousand splendid suns'?
posted 5 years ago.
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Kimberly R
I thoroughly enjoyed both books, but I enjoyed A Thousand Splendid Suns even more than the Kite Runner. As a woman, I think it's because I felt so drawn to the plight of women under the Taliban. I imagine that so many factors in an individual's life play a role in which book they enjoyed more.
posted 5 years ago.
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Amey s
A moving story depicting plight of simple people against the backdrop of war ravaged Afghanistan
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Alageshan M
i never thought that a man could potray the feelings and emotions of a woman so beautifully..
a must read....posted 5 years ago.
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erykumagai
once i said the Kite Runner is very good yet disturbing at the same time.
but reading tis book, it took me more than twice, i halted to resurface for some air. it's strong and more disturbing,tis time of women struggles in their own home-domestic war, and outside the walls.posted 5 years ago.
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Avid M
now that he writes so well and takes you staight to the heart of people there,why is it that Mr.Hoseini ends up his novels so silly/just like the hollywood films endings?and not the way he has written them right from the heart of people so different from those films?
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Jen h
I loved this book. Someone i work with gave it to me to read and I couldn't put it down. It is extremely rich in culture, love, emotion, adn strife. I am so awed by the strength of the characters in this book and can't wait to begin reading Kite Runner!!!!
posted 5 years ago.
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samantha l
if the kite runner is better i'm definitely going to read that b/c i really like this one!!
posted 5 years ago.
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samantha l
if the kite runner is better i'm definitely going to read that b/c i really like this one!!
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This book broke my heart! As I read the dates of each new atrocity these women suffered, I tried to recall where I was and what I was doing then: living in a small, safe, American town, raising small children free from fear or want or suffering of any kind. It makes me question how God divides evil in the world and who gets what allotment--an important and disturbing subject that this book contributes to in an excruciating way.
posted 5 years ago.
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This book broke my heart! As I read the dates of each new atrocity these women suffered, I tried to recall where I was and what I was doing then: living in a small, safe, American town, raising small children free from fear or want or suffering of any kind. It makes me question how God divides evil in the world and who gets what allotment--an important and disturbing subject that this book contributes to in an excruciating way.
posted 5 years ago.
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Loveleena B
One of the finest crafted storyline blended with the political and cultural situation in Afganistan.I was so overwhelmed with the writer's finesse to express the grief of the afgan women.It really made me cry...
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Dodizz D
One of the best books to come out of our time.
Truly the book I would recommend to anyone who knows of the toubles taking over our daily lives yet is still not happy with what they have worked hard for. This book puts a culture, politics and experiences of normail people, living under abnormal circumstances, into perspecive.It has drowned me into deeper and deeper sadness, yet is still uplifting enough to challenge thoughts and views of the "non-war-war", wahtever you choose to call it, that we continue to ignore in the Middle East.posted 5 years ago.
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Melissa S
I loved this book. Probably one of the best books I have read in a long time.
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Sridevi R
So well written and it broke my heart to see the disillusionment in the Mariam and Lailas life, fortunately one gets out of it and the other perishes. Very well written and gives a wonderful picture of hte scene in Afghanistan as an insider,especially the plight of women there before, during and after the Taliban rule.
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GayathriS
This book made me thank for all the things I have and I cherish. This book depicts the hardships gone through women in Afghanistan.
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nehasharma2u
MUST READ ...I CRIED FOR MARIAM'S SACRIFIES
ITS AMAZING HOW BOTH THE GRLS BONDED TOGETHER
N SAILED THRU SUCH HARDSHIP....THEIR DAILY TORCHER WAS KIND OF A ROUTINE WORK FOR THEM ..I WAS AMAZED TO C A MOTHER OVERCOMING FEAR N REPEATING THE SAME ACT TO MEET HER CHILD AT REHAB ......KALID H DID IT AGAIN N HOW...posted 5 years ago.
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Joscelyn P
Wow-stayed up till three this morning finishing it. It took a little bit to get into it, but well worth it in the end. Everything came around full circle. Very rewarding, eye and mind openining, tragic-but also full of hope, definitely makes you so grateful for the liberties and freedoms I enjoy as an american. It was beautiful and wonderful and I would totally recommend it.
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Jacqueline
I loved this book! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
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Jacqueline
I loved this book! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
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bluebird
Nice read and very enlightening. I got the feeling though that that it was rushed. Seemed like author was in a hurry to churn out another best seller and did not provide as much character development. Not a complaint -just an observation. It just did not hold me the way The Kite Runner did. Still I could not wait to finish it.Good just not great.
posted 5 years ago.
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bluebird
Nice read and very enlightening. I got the feeling though that that it was rushed. Seemed like author was in a hurry to churn out another best seller and did not provide as much character development. Not a complaint -just an observation. It just did not hold me the way The Kite Runner did. Still I could not wait to finish it.Good just not great.
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hemarao
A thousand splendid suns is a beautifully written book which just flows through the history of Afghanistan. A tale of two women in the backdrop of political mayhem is heart wrenching and yet beautiful especially when there is redemption in the end.
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jennifer m
Sorry about that. I loved this book. I think it is better than Kite Runner because I am more interested in stories about women's lives. I could not put this book down.
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bookloverurooj
DITTO.........v v beautiful potryal of women's realtions in hard times....
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Deepali V
Never knew that tourture can run to such extent....In our perfect world nothing of this sort happens...but life is not so rosy for some ppl...this books makes you humble...towards the end, the book brought me in tears...
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Lucy
The author did such a great job protraying Mariam and Laila. The plot is so depressing. I can't find the thread of redemption and atonement that made The Kite Runner so remarkable.
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anjali g
“I loved the book for the beautiful way in whch the author has descibed the plight of women in the war ravaged Afghanistan. Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, I can very well understand and relate to the subjects..... the first thing that came to my mind after finishing the book was....Thank God for making me so privileged..”
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mimi
sorry i live in ohio first , and then the copy i have isnt even mine i borrowed it from the library and i had to wait forever to get it as well .. sorry for not being of any help
good luckposted 5 years ago.
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Ruth G
A beautifully written book that I could not put down. It is one of my favorites and a must read. It makes one (especially women) feel so lucky to be living in the USA.
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saima a
one of the best books ive read!! it really makes you appreciate the life you have and it also makes you want to help others...Its an insight into an unknown world.its an amazing book! i recommend it to everyone particularly women!
posted 5 years ago.
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Chetna S
Superb story telling! Is this really a man who is able to delve so sensitively into the minds of women? An absolute must read for any book lover.
I felt like I was bidding farewell, to people I had come to know intimately, upon finishing the book.posted 5 years ago.
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Mersadez
Some of the parts of this book I will never forget. It was written so well I could just imagine it with perfect clarity. A few of these parts are when Mariam gets back from going to visit her father and sees her mother dead. Also when Laila discovers that the doorman is the father of her daughter. Finally the end when Mariam serves her sentence. That was such a moving part. It was written perfectly.
posted 5 years ago.
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Mersadez
Some of the parts of this book I will never forget. It was written so well I could just imagine it with perfect clarity. A few of these parts are when Mariam gets back from going to visit her father and sees her mother dead. Also when Laila discovers that the doorman is the father of her daughter. Finally the end when Mariam serves her sentence. That was such a moving part. It was written perfectly.
posted 5 years ago.
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Pronojit
Yes Indeed....one of the best books....however in this book i suddenly felt the story to have swayed away from the main protagonist to somebody less appropriate, in terms of the her personal background and history which fails to steer our hearts as Mariam's...
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Nimesh
no doubt Khaled is gifted, a master of tales...but i found the story quite swayed away from mariam's personal trampled history which could have moved and touched our hearts more... still Khaled manages the grip to exhibit the grimmest aspect of status of women in afghanistan...a must read book which can grind any petrified heart...
posted 5 years ago.
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prabin
Poor story telling, in a very western(americanised) way ruined the wonderful story that was in the heart of the book. And everything was so predictable, it was nothing like Kite runner. One can only say this if he has read the kite runner.
posted 5 years ago.
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Nyla
I agree with Prabin, it was too predictable. This time the topicality made the reader know exactly what was coming. Every bit that has been in the news was used as part of the incidents happening to the protagonist. However, the book has to be commended as it comes from Afghanistan, and it was time that we read stories of this nature from there. You feel strongly for the women and from that point of view it works for me.
posted 5 years ago.
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Anu Surana P
Though i didnt enjoy it as much as i enjoyed reading the Kite Runner i felt my heart sink at the plight of women in Afghanistan.And the lost dreams of a young girl.
posted 5 years ago.
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Anu Surana P
Though i didnt enjoy it as much as i enjoyed reading the Kite Runner i felt my heart sink at the plight of women in Afghanistan.And the lost dreams of a young girl.
posted 5 years ago.
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Harshna T
Each and every chapter of the book was so touching and real that i feel Laila would be in her 30s now and teaching orphans in the same city in Afghanistan.
posted 5 years ago.
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ditzy
That is what makes the book such a harrowing raed I think because it is written about the here and now. A wonderful must read I think.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lhotskie
I just found out about this new Hosseini book now, here in Shelfari, and I'm already excited to rush to the nearest bookstore and get a copy. I absolutely love Hosseini. When I finished reading the Kite Runner, I knew Hosseini had captured my heart and that I would be watching out for his new books the same way I try to complete my Paulo Coelho, Haruki Murakami, Mitch Albom and Neil Gaiman collections.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lhotskie
I've finished reading! I can't believe the marathon speed by which I finished reading this. Just last Friday I posted here that I found out about this new Hosseini book and that I was dying to get my hands on a copy. Well, I did rush to the nearest bookstore and found out that there's only 1 copy left. Needless to say, I got that last copy... and the rest is history.. Hehehe... I so love this book. I couldn't put it down. I was so absorbed in the story that I didn't care if I spent the weekend cooped up in my room reading. As I told my friends right after I finished reading, if The Kite Runner made me cry, A Thousand Splendid Suns made me want to find Hosseini and give him a very, very tight hug. Two thumbs up for this emotionally absorbing novel!”
posted 5 years ago.
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Josephine J
This book is absolutely fantastic. Simply un-put-down-able!!! I read it all weekend and didnt step out at all. It was such a captiviating story and such an easy read. I recommend this novel anyday. Now I must go in search of the Kite Runner, since I've had a positive taste of the author's work.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lhotskie
I feel the same way. I also read this book over the weekend and didn't care that I didn't go out. I was so into the book that I just completely lost track of time and lost myself in the lives of Mariam and Laila. I just realized that the two days of the weekend were gone when I read the very last page of the book and was yanked back into my everyday reality.
posted 5 years ago.
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Lhotskie
By the way, I noticed that the orphanage director in this book was named Zaman and Hosseini's description of him is so alike with the orphanage director in The Kite Runner, who's also named Zaman and is balding, has a shaggy beard and a chipped eyeglass lens. I wonder if Hosseini did it intentionally... Any take on those who've read both Hosseini books?
Also, I have a question about Tariq being the doorman at the Intercontinental Hotel. Why did Rasheed hug him when he and Mariam went there to place a call to trace Jalil's whereabouts? Didn't Rasheed recognize him given that he knows that he did what he did to get Laila? (my apology to those who feel that my question has become a spoiler).. I just want to ask the opinion of those who've read the book and are perhaps bothered by this detail.posted 5 years ago.
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doctor v
of course lhotskie! it is evident that he is describing the same guy in Zaman. probably part of his effort to weave the tapestry that was Kabul in the Taliban days: re-inforcing the point through his second book.
you know, the orphanages in Kabul are one place where the true horrors of what the Talibs did to completely shater the social fabric of Kabul is so evident. i have been to an orphanage in 2005 and to date, the money comes in more from philanthropists from non-afghan peoples, including the ISAF personnel, than the rich afghans, resident and non-resident. though i may be generalising as i have seen only one orphanage in any detail.
about Tariq, i think you kinda missed the point. the entire thing is meant to show that Rasheed and he were hand in glove and that he did what he did to get Laila with the connivance of Tariq. they are partners-in-crime. hence the hug!
:-)posted 5 years ago.
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JessicaY
Tariq was not the guy who shook hands with Rasheed. It was the messenger whom Rasheed sent to lie to Laila that Tariq had died. And Mariam only connected the dots when she found out that Tariq was alive!
posted 5 years ago.
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kusumchoppra
After the Kite Runner, this book came as a bit of a disappointment for the almost unadulterated "darnkess" of the novel. one sympathises with the Afghan people for the turmoil their country has endured for centuries. the question that comes to th emind is :why are they not sitting down to sort out their issues to let their Watan develop peacefully? Every time a fanatic or invader crops up, those with opposite views just decamp, leaving the country to founder. why?
posted 5 years ago.
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Josephine J
jessicay is right. That's what happened. Abdul Sharif was Rasheed's "messenger-in-crime".
posted 5 years ago.
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Julie C
I enjoyed this even more than The Kite Runner. I didn't think that would be possible. I felt as though I knew these characters, shared their pain and their victory. Amazing!
posted 5 years ago.
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Roxann A
I also like this book better than Kite Runner. The plot was much more beliveable, and the way he got into the minds and lives of the women was uncanny. This book would be in the top ten best books I have ever read in my life- a literary masterpiece.
posted 5 years ago.
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LaTonya aka z
"why are they not sitting down to sort out their issues to let their Watan develop peacefully?"
I'm not sure what country you live in, but as an American, I don't feel all that empowered, and I can vote and participate in the political process. Given the level of oppression and violence, how then do you suggest the people or factions sit down peacefully? Tell me about a country who is currently successfully doing this now.
I enjoyed the story overall for what it examines, but it terms of style, the writing isn't stellar though I concede compelling. There are some passages that are lyrical. Others linger like poetry, they stay with you.posted 5 years ago.
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mckenzl
Just like The Kite Runner, this book is fascinating, both in what it reveals of a culture that is foreign to me, and in its plot. I've listened to news stories that describe the woman's role in Afghanistan, but this story "brought it home." How lucky I am to live in a country where I have so many choices!
I always am fascinated when male authors can capture a woman's way of thinking and responding to different situations..I think Hosseini does a great job of this!posted 5 years ago.
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I am only a third of the way through this book. Am enjoying it immensely. Loved the Kite Runner, but I think I am enjoying the female perspective this time. I was born in Africa and have experience with a different lifestyle, but find this window into another culture fascinating.
posted 5 years ago.
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Roxann A
Zawadi, I think Brenda said she hated "for it to end" not "she hated the ending."
posted 5 years ago.
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LaTonya aka z removed this reply 5 years ago
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LaTonya aka z
Hi Roxanne, I just realized I could delete so I removed the comment. Thanks.
posted 5 years ago.
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Michelle
I just finished this book and loved every moment of it. I have yet to read the Kite Runner. Has anyone read both and think it's worth reading after this one?
posted 5 years ago.
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jaminijp
Both of Hosseini’s books are beautifully written. If you liked A Thousand Splendid Suns then you will absolutely love The Kite Runner. It’s definitely worth a read.
posted 5 years ago.
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Chris K
Yes, Yes--read The Kite Runner. Not at all the same book--but just as compelling
posted 5 years ago.
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ghost of a rose
My comment was a reply to michelle - the site doesn't make that clear. The best way to read the books is, A Thousand Splendid Suns first and then The Kite Runner. They are both great books.
posted 5 years ago.
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Melissa
Just wondering why you think it's best to read them in that order. Just curious, thanks!
posted 5 years ago.
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rabab
This book is very nice & Some of the parts of this book I will never forget. It makes you want to help others.
posted 5 years ago.
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Roxann A
The books aren't connected- totally different stories- so I don't think it matters which one you read first. They are both great.
posted 5 years ago.
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kpnachan
Sad and yet uplifting. Definitely moved me to tears and i don't weep easily!
posted 5 years ago.
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kpnachan
Sad and yet uplifting. Definitely moved me to tears and i don't weep easily!
posted 5 years ago.
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Gitanjali M
Depressing. Yet a story well told. I think all women especially, will feel sympathy and lots of anger
posted 5 years ago.
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Marycon D
I was so touched by this book, although fictional, it is close to the truth if not altogether true that it made me realize what a blessedly wonderful life I have.
Beuatifully written, it transports the reader to the scene reliving the characters.
Have loaned my book to a friend! This is included in my library books.
I have not read the Kite Runner so will do now.posted 5 years ago.
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somrwita g
beautiful book...
tariQ ...the noor of my eyes and the sultan of my heart.posted 5 years ago.
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Lois S
Maybe I already knew too much about the plight of women in Afghanistan. Reading it was just grueling for me.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dan R
An incredibly well-written, gripping tale. You care deeply for the characters. For me, seeing the Afghan history through a young woman's eyes was truely remarkable.
posted 5 years ago.
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Arun S
Beautifully written, very vivid description.
Though the story is extremely tragic and painful, the beauty with which the author describes the story is breathtaking. A must read .posted 5 years ago.
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Kalpana D
One of the most beautifully written books that I have read. The author portrays the women's emotions so eloquently.Must Read.
posted 5 years ago.
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PRIYAMBADA M
WORTH READING IT. I REALLY FELT QUITE DEPLORABLE AND EFFUSIVE READING THIS. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BOOKS
posted 5 years ago.
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rashi
Another brilliant work by Hosseini. Amazing character development and the plot is superb. I was engrossed in the book completely. Great work and a must read for all.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dana B
dunno why (well, i do actually) but i didnot like it at all. the story was so predictable, and i find it that the story was poorly told... not my cup of tea, nah!
posted 5 years ago.
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sara e
undoubtedly it's not as nice as kite runner, the story is some how predictable and the characters aren't that much strong.But it really touches me when the author describes a woman's feeling.
posted 5 years ago.
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bibliophile b
Kite Runner "Nice"? It was very well written, to be sure(don't get me wrong, one of the most moving books I've read in the past several years), and the relationship between the two boys (at least in the beginning) is touching, but it is in many ways as brutal, honest, and violent as Thousand Suns. Perhaps I feel this because I've seen the movie as well, where the violence is so "in your face" and the cost of betrayal even more apparent...but then "that's Hollywood". And like so many, the book is so much better than the movie.
posted 5 years ago.
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sara e
It has got some parts similar to kite runner but undoubtedly it's not as admirable as kite runner , the story is some how predictable and the characters aren't that much strong.But it really touches me when the author describes a woman's feeling.
posted 5 years ago.
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Kavita
I had afghani friends in new delhi when i was in school. after reading this book, now i realise how much they had been through in a young age. The plight must have been unbearable. a very well written book.
posted 5 years ago.
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jenn
can't make myself get back into this book...I'm about half way through-does it get better?! I feel like I got lost with the intro of all the new characters...I must have zoned out since I was so un-impressed and now I don't even remember what in the world is going on...
posted 5 years ago.
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Wayne H
It is an amazing book, keep reading. You will see the characters come together
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Susan R
Just finished reading this book. Although a depressing story of two women in Afganistan, I stayed with it hoping that they would win out in the end. What a terrible place to live for a woman.
posted 5 years ago.
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mickeykedia
no where near as good as 'the kite runner' - but is a really light read.. so you should'nt pass it up
posted 5 years ago.
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Betsy C
I loved this book. Could not put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the Kite Runner, but found this much more interesting. The characters were very real and extremely well developed. Beautifully written.
posted 5 years ago.
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digisha
This book captures the attention from the beginning..a touching saga of the plight of women and children during war and taliban reign...one must read this book...and it never leaves you untouched.
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Joey
Just finished reading the book, find it more intense then Kite Runner. Descriptions are very vivid and the tragedies heart wrenching. The part where they try to board a bus to Pakistan is most distressing.
posted 5 years ago.
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Sophia (uzma Sharaf)
I was expecting this book to be emotional and intense buti was not expecting to get so involved in it .I guess writer has really captured human emotions so well.
In my book group we have discussed this book and various topics were underdiscussion
1. domestic violence
2.women and her sacrafice ,love and other emotions
3.her endurance
4. Male dominated society .
Interestingly , domestic violence is not limited to poor countrueis like Afghanistan ,pakistan , india, bangladesh .It is more prominent there do to lack of any shelter (women protection) and other facilities that are not available.Many western countries have this issue of domestic violence, spouse abuse etc.posted 5 years ago.
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kathy o
Excellent book; very well written; disturbing, as far as women are treated but still a great book
posted 5 years ago.
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divya
a truly gifted author
he can pull each n every string to make ur heart feel emotions u dint even know u had
i love this better than the kite runner!posted 5 years ago.
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Jillian
Sufhia, I love your discussion points! This book brings so many emotions and feelings to the table it's incredible!!
posted 5 years ago.
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88keys
WOW. i read this book as a part of the intergenerational book club at my school. It's a book i might not have chosen had it not been selected for our group to read, but boy am i glad i did get the chance to read it. It was absolutely amazing; Khaled Hosseini has true talent!
posted 5 years ago.
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Leeadv
After reading this book I felt..amazing how much women can put up with! I do believe that there are people out there who are like the women in this book. The part where the daughter is put in an orphanage brought me to tears. It puts your life in perspective. You tend to appreciate what you have. I loved how poignant the book was. I simply looooooovvvvvvvvved the book!
posted 5 years ago.
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Sepibo
No you don't need to Read the Kite Runner. They are two completely different stories written by the same author. Enjoy!
posted 4 years ago.
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Mary M
I found this book to be more to my liking than Kite Runner - there are still images from Kite Runner that haunt me; this book, though equally evocative, was a story that I could identify with more. I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a good read... I loved it.
posted 4 years ago.
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Cynthia L
I believe most women would find this more accessible because it's more focused on women. But if you also read books for the joy of reading a great writer of words, read both.
posted 4 years ago.
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Passion_for_books
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is one of my favourites and it really touched my heart! All along I was sitting on the edge of my seat! This book was beautifully written!
posted 4 years ago.
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kourosh e
Frankly speaking, I can not find a word for this novel. That made me so impressed. Khaled hosseini tries to show the misery of women and kids esp. illegal ones to us. But the novel is a kind of multipurpose and involes the whole people around the world, about the philosophy of war bringing nothing but the misery , murder not for their leaders and commanders but for the kids and women. Like the vietname.
As a matter of fact , I believe that the real victimes of war are kids and women. The thing that drives me mad is that why we shouldn’t dance , make love,say poem with each other, why we can not live like this . which one is more difficult ? making bomb , weapons , killing or kissing , dancing , making love ? the part where Maryam is being hanged for nothing brought me tears it was so unfair and I am sure that there are people out there who are like the women in this book. I look forward to other works of this writerposted 4 years ago.
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anamika_sureka
BLESSED IS HE IN WHOSE HAND IS THE KINGDOM AND HE WHO HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS.WHO CREATED DEATH AND LIFE THAT HE MAY TRY YOU....
After reading this story these words seem so true.Reading about the situation of women who are staying in Afghanistan makes me wonder wether God exists or not.We are born with the belief of what goes arouund comes around.
But what have those women done that there mere goal and aim in life is to survive.Like every infant they are born with desires,aspiration and hope to lead a beautiful life but how circumstances and destiny changes them.
Living in India where disparity is quite apparent.I can ampathize with the women there.Here in India we have our arrange marriages,pardha system which is quite there in village areas but not that bitter and horrifying extent.
But one wonders ''HE WHO MAY TRU YOU'' When we trust GOD so much then why is the trial process exist.
what have Mariam and Laila did to fase such grief and agony thorugout their life.
As Mariam said ''How quitely we endure all that falls on us''
As women Mariam till end abided by these words but her courage to survive was still there which I am sure modern age and educated women like many of us couldn't have survived for so long.
Mariam and Laila shows epitomy of courage which must be helded by many many women of afghanistan.
I know these things truly exists there and I am happy Khallid has brought the true picture in front of us.
Best things which I always like in Khalid stories is no matter how painful the plot is but the ray of hope and a positive ending is there which otherwise would have left all the readers in pain and without optimism only.posted 4 years ago.
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Sophia (uzma Sharaf)
I was reading your response to this book . Putting in simple words i was wondering the same "what have they done in their life to deserve this "
islam teachs "idealogy " that needs to be applied by al members of community other wise it doesnot effect society and we see characters like "mariam's husband" born and raised again and again . we had several discussions on this book from topics such as violence , countries ? domestic abuse ? is it limilited to poor countries ? this book can be a great tool for understanding different culturesposted 4 years ago.
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Maribel A
This book is absolutely wonderful. Although tragic, it is also somewhat uplifting. Khaled Hosseini's language is greatly evocative. Once I began to read, I could not stop. I simply could not put the book down until I had finished. I must admit, there were several parts where I simply sobbed while reading; it was that emotional. I highly recommend this superbly written novel!
posted 4 years ago.
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Brandy C
wow, after kite runner i thought he couldn't do better and while it isn't better, it is equally amazing in a different way. i can't wait to teach this book to my high schoolers!!
posted 4 years ago.
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Rajiv Bhattacharya
Khaled Hosseni has done it again. A book power packed with emotions. No wonder it was a best seller. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Although I was more thrilled by his first book “The Kite Runner”. I guess if “Thousand Splendid Suns” was released first my reaction would be exactly the opposite. The reason being the writing style for both books was very similar... He shows a pretty picture of Afghanistan, followed by a ton of tragedy, one character does the sacrifice and the other is grateful…Always a semi-happy ending..
I realy think Khalid Hossini needs to reinvent himself or else readers might get an impression that he has done a research on Afghanistan once and is just spinning out similar stories one after the other…posted 4 years ago.
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What do you guys feel about Rasheed?
In my opinion, Hossieni portrayed him as the villain, violent and aggressive. But somehow in little notes here and there he leaves you to sympathies with him.
Rasheed buried a wife and a son and initially he was easygoing with Mariam but when she couldn't bear him the son he always wanted he turned violent, When Zalmai came along, I believe he lived the best years of his life with him and had left him just like his son did decades ago. I think he totally deserved the way he died for what he did to Mariam.posted 4 years ago.
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Sandra R
I felt Rasheed was the symbol for the society of the country, not the man himself.
posted 4 years ago.
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Brandy C
I think Rasheed is slightly complicated. For sure he is a vile and disgusting animal but he does have his human side that is damaged and hurt. But to me, that's like saying a serial killer was molested as a kid. Aw, isn't that sad but it doesn't excuse his behavior.
You could say that he has had these tragedies in his life that have left him feeling utterly powerless and that he takes advantage of some of the most extreme customs of his culture to exert control over these women so that there is some part of his life where he has control. He gets most hostile when his power is tested. Aziza is born instead of a boy, the girls try to escape, his wife tries to deny him sex, etc.posted 4 years ago.
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ozma M
This book had a strong effectiveness somehow it remain with you during the reading.It effect on your heart. The expressing of feelings and explenation of enviorenment is beautiful. After reading this book I know Taleban truely and I knew what happened in Afghnestan.
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ozma M removed this reply 4 years ago
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LostinPages
I am so absorbed with this book that I missed my subway stop this morning. I was just as taken in by The Kite Runner. He has an incredibly welcoming style of writing that just keeps me reading and reading.
posted 4 years ago.
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Ana
I liked this one better than the Kite Runner... more informative about Afghanistan. The Kite I found too sentimental at times...I found this one to be more disturbing.
posted 4 years ago.
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simi r
a totally rich book, full of varying emotions...enriched with a beautiful background of afganistan...a great way of making people aware of afganistan's history and culture ...i never knew so much about the place..khaled is a wonderful writer...i think it was better than the kite runner..which was equaly good, but it was much more detailed nd a perfect treasure!! a total must read!.
posted 4 years ago.
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Radhika r
wonderful book, some said depressing but I felt that is a way of life for many women in that region ,masterful storytelling,engaging fiction.
posted 4 years ago.
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Lacey H
I absolutley LOVED this book. It is something I never thought I would enjoy, but my mom kept talking about it and so I thought I had to at least try it. I am so glad I did it was wonderful. I thought there were some graphic parts as well as other shockers, but it made the book! I would highly recommend this to anyone, Just try it...You might like it!
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
I am glad you liked the book. I loved it. Some parts of the book were very sad. It's hard to believe women live such awful lives with, really, no way out. I would recommend this book to anyone.
posted 4 years ago.
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Melanie T
I was surprised how much I liked this book! I think I even prefer it to Kiterunner, because I find the female story so compelling. The heartbreaking part of it is that Mariam and Laila's stories probably aren't that far out of the ordinary..
posted 4 years ago.
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Peggy V
I think the most fascinating part is that the male author was able to write such a compelling story form the female point of view. He seemed to step right into the womens' minds and hearts!
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
I totally agree with you - I think the women's story totally captivated me. It was depressing and made me grateful for the wonderful man I could freely chose to marry!
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
I feel the same way. I have read both The Kiterunner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. By far, A Thousand Splendid Suns left me breathless with the strength and endurance of these women. I especially enjoyed and felt very happy when Mariam and Laila became friends. I would hate for anyone to miss reading this book.
Grapesposted 4 years ago.
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nadiya b
i like this book better than his other book because it was all about suffering and goin through bad times. it has a happy ending which shows that we get our rewards or punishment in this world.
posted 4 years ago.
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anurag s
i'm so sorry but this is unimaginable that people can like something like this after reading a master piece from him before.. its too much cliche now... same old stuff told in a different way.. very dissapointing... if u like pain and suffering try some other book this will waste your time money and would do substantial benefit to your english...
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
I totally disagree! It's the same in the place of the setting and painful opportunities for minorities - but it's from a different viewpoint. Seeing how women were treated compared to servants and other minorities was captivating. Maybe it's the fact that I'm a woman that pulled me in.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kathy F
I loved the book. I disagree about it being the same. I believe it is similar yes but in a different viewpoint. Besides, most authors write what they know and I think that is probably what Hosseini did with both books.
posted 4 years ago.
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Pradeep
I Liked the book, but I seriously think that "The Kite Runner" was a masterpiece. We shouldnt be comparing the two. Khaled Hosseini efforts to bring the sufferings of the people in Afghanistan to everyone's notice needs a lot of appreciation.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kathy F
I agree. I loved this as much as "The Kite Runner" but in a different way. "The Kite Runner" made me cry and "A Thousand Splendid Suns" made me angry. I think they are both phenomenal and Khalid Hosseini is definitely one of my new favorites. I can't wait until his next book.
posted 4 years ago.
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Haley Ee
The book was good but i thought the starting had the same old stuff as the kite runner. That turned me off abit but the story began to pick up halfway through and it got me entranced.
posted 4 years ago.
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Ratnadeep
just pure genius..in contemporary literature he is the unparalleled king of emotions,drama & folklore parables
posted 4 years ago.
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riddhima m
well i wont say that it was better or not as compared to the kite runner...the earlier made me cry and the second matured me in d sense of understanding....i love the charater named tariq....i love the way the emotions of a woman are being told...the way her heart is led bare with agony and glittering drops of hope is showered with every blow laila n mariam bears...the way the little nervousness were wove into words....i love everythin n especially the ending with d name quizzin game....don't ignore the book,,,,if human emotions and courage is wht u love to read most!!
posted 4 years ago.
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Marge S
Did anyone read this as an audible book? I did "The Kite runner" that way and was blown away first by the books and then by the fact that it was the author reading. Since this is his second book, I wanted to see what people think - would you recommend it as an audio book and who reads it?
posted 4 years ago.
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chicanutella
I listen to all my books with Audible books... The Kite Runner was great and so far with this audiobook is amazing... As of now I'm 4 hours in and I can't stop... I know that I'm not going to be disappointed.
posted 4 years ago.
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Meredith R
This was another one of my favorite books. I wasn't sure I was going to like it because of the content, but I could not put it down.
posted 4 years ago.
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Himasa
I had misgivings before I read The Kite Runner because I didn't know the author. But once I finished it I rushed to the nearest bookstore and bought A thousand splendid Suns. I love this book. Well, it' heart rending but it also tells us that hope floats despite all adversities.
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
I read both books too. Hands down my favorite is "A Thousand Splendid Suns." I couldn't get over the tragic way these women live. With no way to get out of their situations. The book really opened my eyes. I hope he writes another book soon.
posted 4 years ago.
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Himasa
Anybody read the 3rd installment of Christopher Paolini's Eragon (Brizinger)? I tried to post a reservation for the book but it turned out the delivery was delayed. Now I'm having sleepless nights waiting for my copy.
posted 4 years ago.
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Alizabeth S
Does anyone know when his next book comes out? I can't wait. He does not disappoint.
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
I can't wait either. I haven't heard anything about his next book. I would love to know what his next book is going to be about.
grapesposted 4 years ago.
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Noemi D
I did see the similarities in both of his books. That said, I loved, loved, loved this book. I cried and felt the pain of the characters throughout the whole story. I can't wait for his next novel.
posted 4 years ago.
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Fudge
I find this book is very well written and catchy and with unpredictable turn of events. Both books talked about the Afgani culture and political experience, yet they are very different and addressed very different sides of their struggles and wars. I actually liked this one better.
posted 4 years ago.
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zawan u
Actually I didn't think this book was as good as The Kite Runner. The events were unimaginable, like when Rasheed hired a guy to tell Laila her childhood boyfriend Tariq was dead, then he suddenly appeared in the end.... i wished he told the truth and Laila would have to suffer, because things don't always turn out happily. i loved the kite runner though. it was excellent.
posted 4 years ago.
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upasna k
hi i agree wid u totally.i was really moved after reading kite runner.thousand... could'nt match up wid it.still it was not that bad.
upasanaposted 4 years ago.
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ardentbooklover
i agree with you...its not at all good compared with kite runner...and after all who wants to cry reading the same story twice?
posted 4 years ago.
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Cyni x
I really wish that people woould avoid discussing the details of the stoy on this page, do it on the discussions...jeez. cant you have some empathy for he pople who came onto this page to read reviews, and have not yet finished reading the book... i have to say now Zawan...youve pretty much ruined the book for me!!! jeeez!!!!! ssoo pissed!!!!!!!
posted 4 years ago.
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siham i
ooooh what an idiot! im really sorry because I really really hate when that happens and i no how u feel. Im sorry but ATTS is as good as if not better than TKR.
:-)posted 2 years ago.
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prathima prakash
i completely agree with u here cyni.............
why do people give out their reviews on' discussions'?posted 1 year ago.
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Nour A
well this is one of the best book i've read,kept till 4am crying!!
its not just about sufferin its abt real life!im actually in love with it:P(A)
i hope i like kite runner like this one!posted 4 years ago.
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Jeannie A
You will love Kite Runner also. But I liked this because it was about women. JeannieA
posted 4 years ago.
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Clara
even if i find some of the metaphors quite a bit off-track, the book is still.... splendid!
posted 4 years ago.
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Olympia S
I loved this book, I read with a box of tissues next to me. I was magnificent, yes there is alot of suffering in this book. But the resiliance of the human spirit the power of love, made these characters human. And gave the reader visual que into what the power of good can do and the power of evil. I finished it this morning and I still cried at the end.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kathy F
I didn't cry with this. I got angry. I couldn't wait to see Rasheed get his in the end. I loved it.
posted 4 years ago.
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Joodi
man I HATED IT ! it presented their religion WRONG ! and showed nothing but misery , I remember just dying to finish it ! ugh
yes I do addmit the author hard work on the book , but MAN I wish I never bought it !posted 4 years ago.
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Maddi N
The book was amazing! I learned so much about the Afghan culture. It was heartrending and heartwarming at the same time. Kudos to Khaled Housseini for writing such a splendid book!
posted 4 years ago.
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Hayoush
A book that I couldn't put down... it really moved my emotions..
It talks about the life of two Afghani women (Mariam and Leila), the way their lives meet, everything they go through, and how they dream of happiness on a land marked by war, poverty, and gender conflicts.
I loved Khaled Hosseini writting style, and the characters he built. he doesn't bore with unnecessary details, while making you feeel the charcaters, live with them, and feel their pain, sorrow, suffering, and hope....posted 4 years ago.
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Carol W
Your post said exactly what I was thinking!! I read this book on a road trip. 6 hours round trip and easily finished it...and hated to have to put it down at a pit stop. I enjoyed this book even more than "Kite Runner". When he transitioned from the story of Mariam to Leila I was caught a bit off guard, but I loved the way the intertwined the lives of these two women.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kathy F
I didn't like it better than The Kite Runner but just as much. Hosseini has quickly become one of my favorites and I can't wait for his next book. I loved the story in both books and had different emotions about each.
posted 4 years ago.
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siham i
same here, I think both books are different so I loved them bnoth just as much. But seriously, I loved that description of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' cuz its so true
posted 2 years ago.
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Hannah A
It is very rare I find a book to which I can say I actually 'felt'. I felt the pain, I felt the joy and for days after finishing the book I felt in a daze from this incredible story. Housseini paints a miraculous portrait of the Afghan culture and life chronicling the difficult political history of Afghanistan. Some have wrote this text is not an accurate depiction of Islam. However the book chronicles the turmoils under the Taliban regime and the Taliban are not accurate actors on behalf of Islam. I found Housseini's second book even more incredible and moving than The Kite Runner and I am anxiously awaiting his next book!
posted 4 years ago.
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Bogey's Mom
This book has a permanent place on my "favorite books" shelf. I felt as if I personally knew Mariam and Leila. The sacrifices they made for each other and the bond they grew into moved me to tears..not an easy feat. The setting in Afganistan and the historical references were all the more credible because of the authors personal background. I recommend this book to everyone who asks me what some of my favorite books are.
posted 4 years ago.
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ardentbooklover
i felt so cheated after reading this book...its just the same old story..same setting...just that it revolves around the life on an afghan female instead of male...nothing special about this book...have decidecd to stop reading such books..
posted 4 years ago.
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siham i
i'm sorry, I don't quite agree with what u said, wow...
same old story? Women have to go through way more than men in regards to the story and real life in some tragic cases around the world.
hmmmmm...
Ah well. Everyones entitled to their opinion i guess.posted 2 years ago.
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Tess G
The story dwells on the life of two women in an Islamic country where the culture is based on the pre eminence of men. It is so very sad because it underscores and concretizes the injustice done to women, and the utter waste of their valuable and potential contribution to society.This waste, in turn, breeds and sustains the dark side of men who, unrestrained in wielding their power over women, become despots and monsters incapable of giving or receiving love.
It enables us to understand and, hopefully, to deal better with the real tragedy of Afghanistan; to find solutions beyond reasons and considerations of geo politics.
For our Western sisters who have never known this kind of oppression and for some of us Asians who have won and are now enjoying equality with our men, the novel is a measure of the distance we have travelled and the blessings which we are obliged to pay forward or give back in return.posted 3 years ago.
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Tess G
For some reason, which I can't quite explain to myself, this novel reminded me of Victor Frankl .
posted 3 years ago.
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Ms. V
Loved the book......Could not place it down. The story has a good pace and has twists and turns that seem relevant. I found this book a lot better than Khaled Hosseini's first book 'The Kite Runner'. Since his first book the author has matured in his writing style and his story telling abilities. If you like to learn about different cultures this is a great book.
posted 3 years ago.
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Sarabear...Cracked, but never broken!!
is this a good book... ive heard some about it... but really know nothing of it. is it good? should i read it?
posted 3 years ago.
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Maria Elena B
If you are willing to learn something that is so completely different and far removed from what you know, try it. But it is not for the faint of heart and you must really have a degree of maturity to be able to understand that it is not the differences that make you sad, it is the fact that there is nothing the characters or you can do to change it.
posted 2 years ago.
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siham i
It is so gripping and powerful I absolutely loved it, K. H. writes really well. it shows you how women suffer in certain parts of the world, I recomended it to my friends and friends recomended it to me and everyones found it enlightening. and I totally encourage you to read it cuz you'll learn something new and different from this book! :-)
posted 2 years ago.
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Olivia S
Is this book enjoyed more by men or women? I feel strongly about womens rights and I'm not sure if this book will upset me or not.
posted 3 years ago.
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Linda A
A wonderful book. It certainly told how the women of Afghanistan have suffered due to war and the Taliban. I loved the quote about education from Babi to Laila, "..when this war is over, Afghanistan is going to need you as much as its men, maybe even more. Because society has no chance of success if its women are uneducated, Laila. No chance."
posted 3 years ago.
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fatalaijone s
i feel sad while i read this book,and after finished i feel heavy inside.
posted 3 years ago.
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susie p
this is a very difficult story to deal with and it is not for everyone. The burden of their lives may be worth a confrontation.
posted 3 years ago.
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Pamela P
living the life I've lived I find it difficult to believe women still must endure this type of treatment. My heart went out to these characters as it does for all women who must live with such oppression. I loved this book!
posted 3 years ago.
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Anurima R
It is the story of a women ... how a living is a fight for existence for a girl in the less seen part of the world. Made me sad to realise the helpless ness girl face ..
posted 2 years ago.
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Frances G
Hosseini is a masterful writer. I often reread a sentence or a paragraph that was so beautifully written it took my breath away. I found myself hating this book so filled with sadness. But I read it to the end and look forward to Hosseini's next masterpiece of prose.
posted 2 years ago.
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siham i
So true, its so sad, but u just have to finish it because u grow to love the characters, so u want to see what becomes of them. And, because of how beautifully he writes.
posted 2 years ago.
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Lisa C
Amazing! I loved The Kite Runner but there was just something even more special about A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Perhaps it was the utter femininity of it. At times I found it curiously surprising and refreshing that I was reading such beautiful female insight and yet it was written by a man. Beautiful book. Khaled Hosseini is a superior writer!posted 2 years ago.
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Princess Lubna Orchid of India
A beautiful Story about true friendship...love...a must read...:)
posted 2 years ago.
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Princess Lubna Orchid of India
A beautiful Story about true friendship...love...a must read...:)
Story about women in Afghanistan....real life!posted 2 years ago.
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Princess Lubna Orchid of India
Women are subjected to live a forced life...beautifully and sensitively portrayed by Hossein....great book...:)
posted 2 years ago.
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I remember passing this book at the library and never even picked it up. Then other online readers were singing its praises ande I too joined the group. I often read the last two pages whicdh are so poignant to me. I would love to read some other reader's thoughts.
posted 2 years ago.
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Courtlyn
My mom actually had this book on our shelf at home for quite some time before I decided to read it. First I read Kite Runner and enjoyed it so much that I immidiately decided to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hossieni's writing just seems to keep improving, and his stories are touching and make a huge impression on the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I agree that the last two pages were incredible. I always seem to either fall in love with a book's ending or I despise it- there isn't typically much of a "gray area," if you will. This book's ending was moving and tied everything together. I particularly liked how the reader knew exactly what the name of the baby would be (given that it was a girl), even though it was never directly stated. Also, these pages showed how strong Laila's bond became with Mariam because of how much she still thought about her at the end. This book was truly amazing and the ending definitely tied everything together marvelously. I'm glad that you had the same feelings concerning the concluding pages!
posted 1 year ago.
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scarhead
very nice book..it was tragic, but very nicely put... truly a worth read!!!!
posted 2 years ago.
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Shreshtha W
beautiful book about the devastating position of the woman in afghanistan at this time
posted 2 years ago.
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AmyAmy
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(contains spoilers)
1. Was Mariam’s father an evil or a “bad” man?
2. What did A Thousand Splendid Suns teach you about the history of Afghanistan?
3. In what ways are Laila and her father they alike? In what ways are they different?
4. Mariam’s mother says: "Women endure. It’s all we have." In what ways is this true?
5. Why is Mariam so hostile toward Laila soon after Rasheed rescues her?
6. In what way is Mariam and Laila’s relationship like mother-daughter?
7. Why did many of the people disapprove of the Soviet occupation?
8. Did the quality of life deteriorate after the Soviet overthrow?
9. Why are the Taliban accepted with some of the people?
10. Why did the Taliban forbid most books, watching films, and painting pictures?
11. Why does the young man at the train station betray Laila & Miriam as they try to escape?
12. Why didn’t Mariam try to escape with Laila and Tariq? Would you?
13. Had you suspected the depth of Rasheed's deceit when Tariq returned?
14. Do you think Laila and Tariq can be happy?
xxx?
15. Why do you think this particular film “The Titanic” became so popular?
Why would people risk the Taliban’s violence to watch the film?
16. Afghanistan is still in the news a lot. Do you think the situation will improve there?posted 1 year ago.
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prathima prakash
1. I would'nt call Jalil a bad man......but he he is no differrent from men of his status and standing in society.
But there are certain saving graces in his personality as well........though in stealth he continues to provide for Nana and Mariam, and he is very genuinely affectionate towards Mariam and tries to spend time with her.He does however break Mariam's heart too many times to redeem him for his misgivings completely.
However his final act of giving Mariam her share of inheritance goes in vain as she herself would have preferred recognition as his daughter more than the inheritance.
2. Afghanistan is probably the most complex of the nations in the entire world........the nation has to be understood well before being branded as a land of dread.However the novel throws a new light to the readers else where in the world.
Afghanistan doesnt beg for sympathy.....just plain need to be understood.( again the parallell between women and Afghanistan is too evident)posted 1 year ago.
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prathima prakash
The novel opens with the sentence,"Mariam was five years old the first time she heard the word 'harami'.
How important is that word in the novel?
How does Mariam's illegitimacy shape her life?posted 1 year ago.
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Courtlyn
Why do you think Hosseini decided to write this book from two different people's perspectives? How did this further the books meaning and the impression it left on the audience? Why did he choose two women instead of men?
posted 1 year ago.
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monica zavala
The a thousand splendid suns book was about a girl that lived with her mom because her dad had a lot of different wives. the her mom got killed because Mariam went to her dads house and when she got back home nana had made a suicide already. Then Mariam married a man named Rasheed with was 45 years old and she was only 16 years. Rasheed always gave her so much problems like insulting her and even hit her when ever he wanted to.Mariam had a friend named Laila and when her parents died she took her to live with her and Rasheed and she was pregnant of Tariq already a man that was her love and left to another country.Then Rasheed marry Laila and was living with both Mariam and Laila in the same house and so all that Rasheed was doing interfered in their friendship and Laila and Mariam could not be like when they were little. After that Mariam and Laila wanted to run away but when they were at the bus station a the police officers took them back home because he knew that they were trying to run away. Finally Mariam got killed because she killed Rasheed and then she die for not staying with her husband and killing him.
posted 9 months ago.
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Phil
Im thinking about reading this because, many people say its good. What do you think
posted 9 months ago.
