A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Ria Minglani

An overwhelming story beautifully penned by Khaled Hosseini, ‘A thousand splendid suns’ is a book like no other. A captivating tale portraying the lives of two women in early 1960s Afghanistan. Miriam and Laila are forced to become victims of the compelling circumstances and harsh realities. Miriam had a bitter childhood, and the future did not seem any better for her. However, as she meets Laila, who appears to have lost everything and is now presumed to live the same life as her, Miriam is resentful at first, unaware of the beautiful relationship they will develop over time.

As Afghanistan soon appeared to be under the hostility of the Taliban regime, the women couldn’t even imagine what awaited them. The struggle of these women and their lives full of suffering, sacrifices, and heartaches makes one tear up. Laila is like an inspiration to Miriam, as the women remain strong and resilient in the intense situations and are ready to help each other endure what life had in store for them. In the end, it is love that conquers fear and death. ‘A thousand splendid Suns’ is unquestionably one of the most moving books I have ever read. Khaled Hosseini certainly outdid himself with this one.

By Ria Minglani