I spent much of yesterday evening finishing A Thousand Splendid Suns, a novel by Khaled Hosseini. I have had this book sitting around my house unread for more than a year. Maybe it is because Middle Eastern topics do not greatly interest me, or maybe because my hardback copy did not have an attractive cover. But I eventually picked it up and was glad for the excellent read.The main plot of A Thousand Splendid Suns revolves around two women (Mariam and Laila) from Afghanistan and the hardships they encounter in life due to political strife, religion, and abusive men. The book takes place from 1965 to current time (it ends, I believe, in 2003), which made it all the more interesting. The comparison of lifestyles -- my life to theirs -- is so vastly different; it is hard not to be all the more grateful for the blessings I have been given.
Note: A Thousand Splendid Suns addresses some very serious topics, including child and spousal abuse, pregnancy/miscarriage, and death. I did not feel there was anything gratuitous about the author's handling of these subjects, though.
PS, Don't forget to bid on my book to help raise money for diabetes research. Here is the link again--scroll down to item number 1747812. Thanks!
Scripture of the Day: Ezekiel 11:19
I loved this book. I think I enjoyed it even more than Kite Runner.
ReplyDeleteI read the Kite Runner but thought the language was too rough for me. Is the language bad in this book as well, or is it tamed down?
ReplyDeleteI am reading Three Cups of Tea which is about life in Pakistan--and an American man who has been building schools there. I love that book. If you haven't read it yet and want to continue with the middle east theme . . . :-)
I do not recall any swear words other than bastard. Maybe because it is from a female perspective rather than male the language is cleaner.
ReplyDeleteI preferred this book to Kite Runner as well, and I really liked Kite Runner! It was disturbing but in a way to provoke thought and expansion of one's horizen. We really are so fortunate to live is such a free society. When people here discuss limitations to our freedoms in the name of protection, I get concerned because it is difficult, sometimes, to draw a line as to how far the limits will go. I have a more detailed review on my site at goodreads.com
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