Book Review of a Thousand Splendid Suns Essay Example
Book Review of a Thousand Splendid Suns Essay Example

Book Review of a Thousand Splendid Suns Essay Example

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The book review A Thousand Splendid Suns discusses the mesmerizing city of Kabul, described by Saib-e-Tabrizi, an Afghan poet in the 17th century. Kabul is portrayed with its captivating streets and bustling bazaars through which caravans from Egypt pass. The poet expresses admiration for the numerous moons illuminating rooftops and the multitude of splendid suns concealed behind walls. Despite progress, many women still face unfair treatment and persistently fight for their rights, including voting and self-governance. Those who have experienced both Afghan wars – the Soviet Union's invasion from 1979 to 1989 and the United States-led coalition forces' war since 2001 against terrorism – endure ongoing struggles.

Khaled Hosseini is an American citizen who has lived in the United States since he was fifteen years old. He achieved global recognition for his first book, The K

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ite Runner, which was published in 2003 and sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. His second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, became Britain's top-selling novel by April 11, 2008, selling over 700,000 copies after its release on May 22, 2007. In addition to his writing career, Hosseini works as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Office) and currently resides in Northern California.

The Buffalo News commends Hosseini for his literary talents, noting that he possesses the ability to make individual stories relatable to all through his insight, compassion, and expression, thereby transforming them into works of art. According to Hosseini, even though life may be filled with pain and bitterness, a melancholic narrative can instill hope in people and remind us that every person has a soul. He dedicates this novel specifically to the women

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of Afghanistan. In 2003, during his return to Kabul, Hosseini witnesses women adorned in traditional masks and clad in tattered clothing as they beg for money with their children by their side. In that moment, he ponders where these women have been forced to reside.

The text describes the dreams, hopes, and desires of women in Afghanistan and their experiences during the 20 years of war. The author had conversations with numerous women in Kabul and found their stories to be genuine and heartfelt. While writing the novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns," the author was constantly reminded of the resilience of Afghan women. Although the characters of Laila and Mariam may not directly represent these women, their voices, faces, and life stories of perseverance continued to linger in the author's mind. The author considers the collective spiritual strength of Afghan women as the most inspiring aspect of the novel. Mariam, a character who is the illegitimate child of a Herat businessman, is forced into a loveless marriage with Rasheed, an older shoemaker from Kabul. Rasheed expects complete obedience from Mariam and enforces strict Islamic customs that control women's movement, appearance, and attire.

In the early years of their marriage, Rasheed's mandates clash with the modernizing forces in Kabul, where numerous women occupy professional positions, work as university teachers, or engage in political campaigns. However, the rise of the Taliban leads to the entire society conforming to the rules of Sharia, a traditional Muslim law. Laila, who is young enough to be Mariam's daughter, reluctantly becomes a member of this household after her parents die in a bombing and her friends leave Kabul. Rasheed takes her as his

second wife, and his bullying and oppressive behavior escalate as the two women unite to defy his authoritative control over their lives.

When attempting to escape, an Afghani man at the bus station betrays them and steals Laila's hard-earned money. This only worsens Rasheed's abusive behavior. Later, the Taliban arrives in town, portraying all the expected stereotypes associated with them, as if Hosseini had a mandate to reinforce them. In an effort to protect Laila from Rasheed's murderous intentions, Mariam ends up killing him. However, the Taliban refuses to acknowledge her story due to her gender and she is executed. Thus, Mariam's tragic life finally comes to an end.

The text discusses the tragic events in Mariam's life and the enduring sadness felt by the reader upon her death. It mentions that Hosseini never gave her a break in her fictional life. It also mentions that Laila travels to Pakistan to marry her original lover and later returns to Kabul to work with an orphanage. The novel follows the challenges faced by Mariam and Laila as they struggle for survival and plan a daring escape, putting them at odds with Rasheed and society. Hosseini skillfully intertwines these complexities and predicaments with political and social events in recent Afghan history.

Upon first encountering this book, I had a notion that it could bear resemblance to The Kite Runner, offering us a chance to witness a joyous conclusion and find solace in our hearts. Yet my assumption proved incorrect. As I progressed through the story, my astonishment heightened when Mariam ultimately succumbed while facilitating Laila's getaway. Over time, Mariam had withstood an existence filled with wretchedness. Her community scorned her

due to being born out of wedlock and limited access to her father just once per month.

When she was 15 years old, the main character faced the challenges of losing her mother and being betrayed by her father, all while living with them. Despite her grief, she is compelled to marry a considerably older man named Rasheed. Desperate for an alternative, she begs Jalil, who has served as a father figure to her, to intervene. However, the room falls silent as Jalil hesitates and nervously twirls his wedding ring.

Inside the cabinet, the clock continued ticking. Even though I know the answer is 'no,' whenever I see her, I can't help but feel like Mariam, hoping that our father wouldn't be capable of such cruelty. In Kabul, Mariam gets pregnant seven times in a row but never manages to carry a baby full term. Over time, Rasheed becomes more and more abusive. "His strong hands gripped her jaw. He inserted two fingers into her mouth and forcibly opened it, then proceeded to place the cold, hard pebbles inside. Despite Mariam's resistance and mumbled protests, he persisted, his upper lip curling with scorn."

'Now chew,' he commanded Mariam with a mouthful of grit and pebbles. She pleaded through her mumbled words, tears streaming from her eyes. 'CHEW! ' he shouted.

A gust of smoky breath slammed into Mariam's face as she chewed. In the back of her mouth, something cracked. Rasheed's cheeks were quivering as he remarked, 'Good. Now you know the taste of your rice.'

In this marriage, you have given me nothing but bad food. After he left, Mariam was left to spit out pebbles, blood,

and the pieces of two broken molars. Apart from the brief period of peace during weeding, Mariam has always had a dozen years of life.

Filled with curses and suffering, the text expresses the hope for a turning point in life. It wishes for the protagonist to experience happiness and heal the pain that has plagued them since childhood and adolescence. However, life often does not unfold as expected. Following Laila's marriage to Rasheed, Mariam's role as a wife becomes more akin to that of a servant. Despite harboring dislike towards Laila, both women are united in their poverty.

Mariam expresses her gratitude and happiness by stating that she has already received everything she desired as a child, thanks to the person she is speaking to and their children. She reassures them by saying that their current situation is acceptable and encourages them not to feel sad.

Laila could not comprehend Mariam's words but Mariam continued to speak incoherently about various topics such as planting fruit trees, chickens waiting to rise, small houses in unknown towns, and walks to lakes filled with trout. Eventually, when Mariam ran out of words, Laila could only surrender to her emotions and cry like a child who cannot challenge an adult's logical reasoning. She curled up and buried her face in Mariam's comforting lap once again, finding solace in her presence.

Mariam made a basic breakfast for Zalmai, consisting of bread and dried figs. Furthermore, she put some figs and animal-shaped cookies in a paper bag for Aziza. Mariam gave the bag to Laila, asking her to give Aziza a kiss and convey that she is Mariam's most beloved possession.

Can you

do that for me? ” I am filled with excitement and unable to hold back my tears. This extraordinary Mariam, despite her limited education, has faced many difficulties in her life. However, she sacrifices herself for Laila's freedom. Sadly, she dies alone as a victim of the Taliban who ruthlessly stone her to death.

Her fate was unfortunate and always driven. Even if she were to one day master fate, the ending would still be ironic. She is not demanding from fate what will make her happy, even just a little. Mariam wished for so much in those final moments.

While closing her eyes, she no longer felt any regret. Instead, she experienced a feeling of immense peace enveloping her. She reflected on how she entered this world as the illegitimate child of a humble villager, an unplanned and pitiful accident. Like a weed. Yet, as she departed from this world, she did so as a woman who had experienced and reciprocated love. She left as a friend, a companion, and a protector.

A mother, finally a person of importance. Mariam thought that dying in this way was not so terrible.

This paragraph reflects Mariam's inner monologue after she and Laila kill Rasheed, marking a legitimate end to a life filled with illegitimate beginnings. Although fate did not forgive her, she eventually forgave fate. Mariam's patience and greatness shine through. Furthermore, Mariam acknowledges that Laila appears to be much more fortunate as she was born into a wealthy family and received a good education.

War tragically interrupted the happy life of this stunning girl, causing her to be torn apart from her lover, Tariq, and resulting in the loss

of her entire family. Being left alone in the world, she had no choice but to marry Rasheed, drastically altering her life. Undoubtedly, she went from heaven to hell due to the consequences of war.

Fortunately, the kind girl had a chance encounter with beauty-conscious Mariam, which proved fortunate in light of Rasheed's mistreatment upon learning that the first child was not his own. Laila seemed to be the recipient of all good fortune. Despite their failed attempt to escape with Mariam, Laila crossed paths with Tariq once again in Kabul. Eventually, Mariam and Laila joined forces to kill their husband. Mariam took responsibility for all charges and allowed Laila to peacefully depart with Tariq.

Thanks ;author; for ;Laila; does a person know to be grateful. As she walks to her desk at the front of the class, ;Laila; thinks of the naming game they'd played again over dinner the night before. It has become a nightly ritual ever since <Laila> gave <Tariq> and the children the news. Back and forth they go, making a case for their own choice. <Tariq> likes <Mohammad>. <Zalmai>, who has recently watched Superman on tape, is puzzled as to why an Afghan boy cannot be named Clark.

Aziza is supporting Aman's campaign, while Laila has a fondness for Omar. However, the current game only includes male names, as Laila has already chosen a name for a potential girl.

At the conclusion of the novel, Laila and Tariq return to Kabul together and establish a local school. Laila does this as a way to repay the land and Mariam, who saved her life. Lastly, I would like to discuss Rasheed, the shared husband of

Mariam and Laila. They both reside in a patriarchal and authoritarian society that expects women to obediently follow their fathers, husbands, and sons. Only having a son can grant them social status. Rasheed imposes strict rules on his wives, prohibiting cursing, yelling, begging, and even crying. The only form of violence permitted is within their daily routine of playfulness and physical discipline, and this violence is accepted and justified by social and legal norms.

While it would be unfair to completely condemn Rasheed for his deceitful marriage to Laila and lying about Tariq's death, it is crucial to acknowledge that he is a product of an oppressive system. It is important to recognize that in Afghanistan, as well as possibly other unknown regions, many men are influenced by social oppression and display similar cruel treatment towards women and children.

The book deeply impacts me by depicting the numerous injustices and hardships endured by women. At first, Jalil's intentions towards Nana were noble, but he eventually succumbed to her seduction. Despite her inability to conceive, Nana faced ridicule, irony, and even physical abuse from her husband. Even with Laila growing inside her womb, she was willing to sacrifice everything, including her reputation. Afghan women endure suffering like snowflakes silently melting on other people's windows - no noise or complaints; just silent acceptance of loneliness and despair.

However, this suffering does not break them; instead, it molds their strong personalities and determination. Despite enduring war, illness, and the loss of loved ones, they continue to bear these burdens with patience and composure - only strengthening their will to survive. No amount of suffering can shake their faith in life

because "disappointment" or "sadness" have no place in their minds.

Despite its affordable price, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner) is a book that I am thankful to have explored. As an individual who typically leans towards action-adventure novels for leisurely reading, I made the decision to venture outside my comfort zone and delve into something new. This novel eloquently depicts the profound emotions intertwined with life and love in Afghanistan throughout a span of 30 years. Before delving into this book, my understanding of Afghanistan primarily revolved around war, the Taliban, Bin Laden, displacement, terrorism, and Jihad.

Through the author's beautiful writing, I witnessed the yearning for freedom and hope in the future among Afghans. In our society today, various forms of media such as films, books, and others often depict both the indifference of humanity and a glimmer of hope. This book captures the unforgiving era of Afghanistan, narrating an unlikely friendship between a woman and a love story that withstands adversities. Husseini portrays these characters, Mariam and Laila, with lightness, sincerity, and simplicity over the course of four or five decades. Their stories are filled with tragic twists and turns of fate, juxtaposing despair and warmth. Despite the sadness within their narratives, there is a resolute search for goodness and preservation of hope. Ultimately, this book reminds us that love and trust remain essential in our human society.

Humanity, like the magnificent suns, will be present in every corner of the world.

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