A Thousand Splendid Suns

A thousand splendid suns is indeed a splendid read. It is an ongoing tale of two women in Afghanistan, Mariam and Laila, who see hardships and difficulties in life, how their lives get tangled and in all adversities, how they continue to get going. It starts off programmatically and gains speed and emotional power as it slowly unfurls.

The story centres around Mariam living on the outskirts of Herat with her bitter mother. Mariam faces many prejudices and blame not only from the family of her father, but also from her own mother. She becomes victim of domestic abuse and confinement at the hands of Rashid, her husband especially after numerous miscarriages. Another major character in the story is Laila, a smart and spirited girl. Though she is the cherished daughter of an intellectual, who encourages her to pursue an education, Laila finds her life literally shattered when a rocket lands on her house and kills her parents.

The two story-lines merge when Rasheed and Mariam shelter the solitary Laila. Fate brings them together, and intertwines their destinies in a seemingly unpredictable way. From hostility to growing to care for each other like a mother and daughter, Mariam and Laila's relationship is explored through their daily routines and how that routine turns resentment into something beautiful.  I don’t want to spoil the plot by giving away too many details.

 Though it is a great book, but at times, difficult to read. There are situations and scenarios that are upsetting and may trigger lots of emotion. If you are extremely sensitive, it may be difficult to make it through. But, if you can, I think it will be worth it in the end..