Book Review: Khaled Hosseini - A Thousand Splendid Suns, 2007

Written on 2 February 2014

Edited on 25 June 2018

Rate: 6/10

Wonderful

A Thousand Splendid Suns is relatively more profound than the books I usually read. The book questions a variety of political and ethical issues and encourages the readers to deeply ponder upon them. Without a doubt, I believe this is the type of book people must read (at least) once in their life. But in saying that, I have no desire to read it again (although I have to, this is the set text for my Year 11 Standard English exam). I couldn't bear reading the brutal treatments women received from their own husbands. Freaking Harami! (meaning bastard in Hindi, they said it too often in the book so I couldn't resist).

No word can’t describe how outraged I was as I could vividly imagine the injustice women have to endure in certain countries. Perhaps that is why I try to read lighthearted books; they say books are a gateway to escape from the reality of cruel world.

I could recall my mum's advice - don't marry a guy who is extremely different to you either intellectually or in wealth-wise (lol my mum said that? -2018). Although Mariam was obligated to marry Rasheed and had no choice, the way he ridicules and patronises Mariam infuriates me.

The Author

I was astonished by how a male author could so accurately depict women's perspective (I would have believed that a woman wrote it) and provoke readers' empathy (certainly did mine). But there are always a hard-work behind successful stories. I want to acknowledge his effort for putting his life at risk and interviewing the real women who are in similar situation as the characters.

The Ending

I think this is the best ending line I’ve read:

"Mariam is in Laila's own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns." pg. 166

Research: after Mariam gave up her life for Laila to live out hers, Laila realizes that Mariam is still looking out for her and her family as she always has been.

"Every street of Kabul is enthralling to the eye

Through the bazaars, caravans of Egypt pass

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,

Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls." saib-e-Tabrizi, (pg. 172)

Research: Laila's father Babi, is the one reciting the lines from an old poem written in the seventeenth century. In an interview, Khaled Hosseini explained, "I was searching for English translations of poems about Kabul, for use in a scene where a character bemoans leaving his beloved city, when I found this particular verse. I realized that I had found not only the right line for the scene, but also an evocative title in the phrase 'a thousand splendid suns,' which appears in the next-to-last stanza.

Power

This book was the set text for my Area of Studies - the theme of Power, so I found a few quotes that are relatable:

1. Patriarchal society

"Like a compass needle that points north, a man's finger always finds a woman" - pg.7 Nana

The quote manifests the ideology of how dominant men always blame women. The "man's finger" symbolises the act of blame, as it is commonly known that accusation is conveyed through pointing one's index finger at someone. Similarity between "compass needle" and "finger" are found as both of them are used to direct for an indication.

This quote reminds me of how fortunate I am. Being able to have freedom over education, clothes and even love... we always look pass these crucial things but rather demand for more material things. I believe we need some time to actually reflect upon what we do have instead of complaining about what we don't.

After reading this book, I realised that I've been paying more attention to Afghanistan (and other Middle-Eastern countries) on news. Today (in 2014), an Australian man submitted a short live footage of civil war from Syria - largely splashed blood on the ground and exploding houses - he recounts the witness of a young boy who's face was burnt from a bomb explosion. This made me realise how fortunate I am to even be alive, and inspired me to think about supporting (and donating in the future for) the poor and the injured. Also, to pay attention to the citizens, especially, the innocent ones.

P.s. Rather oddly, this reminded me, Bill Gates has stated that, "there will be no poor countries by 2035" - 21years from the present time.

2. Religion

"He Who has power over all things ... may try you." .- pg. 36 Mullah

I know that God challenges each one of us and only the resilient ones will be triumphed. To see the success, we need to be strong and be ready, because “chance favours only the prepared mind” (my mum’s favourite quote).

3. Democratic society

"Power is now in the hands of the masses and freedom-loving people." p.g.92

SEOYEON LIM