book review on A Thousand Splendid Suns by Swati Singhania

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The story is set against the backdrop of Afghanistan during the emergence of Taliban. It was a rough time for the women in Afghanistan, whose pleadings and problems were considered to be of no importance at all. It is one of the most poignant stories, about how even in those darkest hours of the two women, Mariam and Laila, hope was replenished giving them strength to continue and endure. The story is so simply written and finely woven that it grips the reader till the last word of it.

Mariam was an illegitimate child and was forced to marry into Kabul. She was troubled right from childhood till she finally met with her tragic end. Laila who lost all her loved ones at a very tender age, had to take a decision at that time which changed her entire course of life. Mariam and Laila crossed each other’s path at a time when Mariam was losing grit on her life. Laila who was one of her reasons of pain, suddenly became her reason of hope. In spite of a big age difference, we feel both of them could empathize with each other really well. They lived for their children bravely, crossing all hurdles till they finally made it to the happy times after years of resistance.

The story is about sacrifice, tolerance, compassion, struggle, optimism, losing your loved ones for perpetuity, and about bonding. Although the two women were relentlessly spited, they became a pillar of strength for one another, and fought till the end. The author, through them portrayed that even women have a right to be happy after all. Subtly written, this novel is inspirational and is a must read as it can be so finely felt by every living soul.