One of my (unofficial) resolutions for 2017 is to keep up with my reading list – or maybe even catch up and add more. Included on my list this year are some older novels that I never got around to read – Eat Pray Love – and some more recent ones – The Magnolia Story. The list is extensive and covers many subjects, but I knew the first place to start was A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
Ever since I read Kite Runner, I have been a Hosseini fan and immediately added his next two novels to my list. But, Runner left me emotionally drained in the best possible way and I knew I had to be mentally prepared to take on his next book. And knowing Suns involved the women culture of the Middle East had me bracing for a eye-opening story.
Throughout the tale of two women – Mariam and Laila – whose lives intertwine after unfortunate events, I had to keep reminding myself the timeline was rather current. Exploring women’s rights, or lack thereof, in the Middle Eastern culture during the rise of the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden will remind you how many worlds seem to lie between here and there. One thing stands true between the two who could not be more different – women can be unstoppable when fighting for family and what they believe in.
A powerful, heart-wrenching novel, I would highly recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns. Learn, cry, feel a little hope while walking through decades of war with Mariam and Laila.
Have you read any Khaled Hosseini novels?
xoxo. a
I read Kite Runner when it was initially released. It was a touching story that had stayed in my heart for years.
It has stayed with me as well! A remarkable book.
I’m reading this one now. And also finally read Eat Pray, Love last year, now attempting the ‘sequel’ Committed
That’s great! Let me know how you like Suns! And I’m currently still in “Eat” but enjoying it – and looking forward to Committed too!