A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

May 6, 2008
Book suggested by Carol M., meeting hosted by Carol W.

This book gave us a lot to talk about. Though set in modern times, many of us thought it was like reading about events that happened many years, or even centuries ago. The way of life that was portrayed in the book, particularly the plight of women, was so foreign and appalling to all of us. We are so thankful to be born in a place that promotes free thought and not the oppression of thought and freedom. We couldn’t imagine raising children in such surroundings. As shocking as it was though, we believed that the book gave true examples of circumstances and occurrences in that region of the world, and we questioned what we, as individuals could, or should do to offer some remedy to those dire living conditions.

Most of us were glad to be exposed to a culture that we knew little about, but some were disappointed that the book did not provide us with more knowledge of the area’s history. However, we did learn that most of Afghanistan's history is fraught with violence, oppression, and tyranny, and surmised that it would take volumes of books to explain all of that. It was suggested then, that the intent of the author was to convey a story of love and relationships, and believed he did an excellent job of that.

We felt so sorry for Mariam and how she had little chance to overcome the adversity she was dealt in life. Her terrible situation was due in large part to her parentage and birthplace. We wish she would have reconciled with her father, and were glad that she did find love in her relationships with Laila and Aziza. We were glad that she finally conquered Rasheed and wondered why she didn’t attempt to escape with Tariq and Laila because we doubted that anyone would have cared enough about Rasheed to hunt her down. We appreciated that, in the end, Mariam felt like a hero and that her life had value after all because of the way she helped those that she loved. We liked the ending of the book as it gave a glimmer of hope that things could get better. The fact that the school was resurrected with the help of Mariam’s contribution was a great ending.

Parts of the story evoked a broad spectrum of emotions for many of us, and to some, that is indicative of a very good book. The few derogatory remarks that were made related to how the book was depressing and sad and therefore a burden to read. Some prefer to “keep their heads in the sand” and not read about graphic, depressing but accurate world circumstances that must be endured by some. Most of us liked the book a great deal though, and some gave it their highest scores to date.

Khaled Hosseini's website: http://www.khaledhosseini.com/
Search for Khaled Hosseini on http://www.youtube.com/ to see and hear him talk about his books.