A Thousand Splendid Suns discussion

[Jenn]

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is Miguel's selection for July. Please post your discussions here.

[Michelle]

Do you have to read the Kite Runner first? Cause I haven't... I've been wanting to do, though. Maybe I'll knock them both out next month!

[Miguel]

I don't believe so, Michelle. Both are independent of each other.

[Michelle]

*spoilers below*

I finished this a couple of days ago. Even though I wanted to read The Kite Runner first (because it's his most famous and praised work), I'm glad I picked this up because it was an amazing read. I went through several cycles of different emotions while I read this. Parts of it were really heavy and hard to get through, namely the sections that involved Rasheed and how he abused both Mariam and Laila.

I'm a little peeved that the copy I got from the library had half a page torn out, though thankfully it didn't seemed like it contained any pivotal information - it was the scene where Laila was giving birth to Zalmai.

I really didn't know what to expect going into the novel, just that it took place in the Middle East during one of their most tumultuous times. I didn't know that it specifically centered around the two women, but reading from their perspectives really made me realize the extent of the brutality of their oppression. I was baffled by the extremity of their subjugation; I think Mariam and Laila's relationship with Rasheed serve as a microcosm of the patriarchal society that surrounds them, one that lets men abuse the women without consequence and allows them to think they are superior in every way. I knew the Taliban greatly diminished women's rights, but I was not aware that they all but demolished them.

Rasheed - I hated his character. At the same time, however, I felt like he was the one critical flaw in this book. I don't think he was developed well enough. Every time he appears on the page, he's just an unpleasant oaf, which makes him seem a little one-dimensional. The portrayal of his character doesn't convince me that there are deeper, hidden complexities to him other than this brute who's as villainous as you can imagine. It's mentioned briefly that he had a son and a wife once, but it was mainly just that - a mention. Other than his interaction with Zalmai, I don't see any indication that he has a connection with his past or that he's human enough to experience something other than total anger. At the end, I just took him for nothing more than symbol of government's treatment of women. I guess, to contrast his character, we have Tariq.

My favorite thing about this novel was the slow forming of friendship between Mariam and Laila. To me, I read it not only as them having found a solace in each other, but also as a necessity to survive the war inside their house. Standing by and solidifying each other was maybe the only way they'd be able to overcome Rasheed (as per the scene in the last third of the book). This kind of solidarity can, of course, extend beyond their home.

I can't imagine myself in their shoes. Just hearing about the instability of the Middle East today makes me not only saddened that such destructive warfare still continues on, but that the trials and tribulations that the civilians have to endure are something I can never understand until I experience them firsthand. It's scary to think that you can die the second you leave your house (or that you can die while still inside it).

As with all novels I read that takes place outside of the United States or the United Kingdom (England, more specifically), I was appreciative of the cultural environment. I was able to pick up a lot that I hadn't known before.

Other than more development on Rasheed's character, what I think I would like is if Hosseini went into greater depth and detail about what Mariam and Laila really think about the war and whether or not they think that the purpose of it is worth fighting for. Also, what did they think about all the Taliban decrees in relation to their religion? It seems like the girls are (very) affected by the outside, but they're really only focused on the inside, which makes sense, but they must have at least some opinions on the state of their country other than a general solemnity and desire to move past the wars.

[Julie]

Just finished this book and I'm not sure there's much more to say than what Michelle has already said... this book took me a little while to get into I think it's because I didn't know what to expect nor could I picture where the story was going.

This book overall was heartbreaking these women suffered so much at the hand of men and they had no choice and no way to leave. To be put in that culture is unimaginable. I would not be strong enough to survive what they had to survive.

For Mariam to be born in her situation a bastard child and to be married off to much older abusive man. How did she keep going after so many miscarriages? What she must have felt?? And than to be able to grow and care for another towards the end of her life I'm glad she found some happiness

For Laila at such a young age to realize she was pregnant and unwed and mature enough to understand in her culture that she had to marry and marry fast. She had fight in her that you have to respect even after the beatings she took. And smart enough to understand that she needed to make some very hard decisions to save her children.

This story needed the happy ending or I don't think I could have finished this book. It was way to heavy and sad in parts and unfortunately probably way to real. Overall a good read with a lot to discuss

[Jenn]

For years people have been telling me to read this book, and now that I finally have I can see why. What strong story-telling, and what a necessary story to be told. I have acquaintance-neighbors who complain that we (the U.S.) take in refugees and give them financial assistance. It goes beyond complaining, actually; they're livid about it. If they were readers, I would have them read this book. Maybe it would help them see what people are fleeing from and why they need help.

I agree with Michelle that Rasheed seems one-dimensional. I think the author, Hosseini, is trying to sell the idea that these people need help, and perhaps he's afraid that making the bad guy seem nice in any way reduces the chances of achieving that goal. But I think that when you create a character who is too bad to be believed, it diminishes your story. It makes people think, Is this real or is it just propaganda?

Anyway, this was a great read. Thanks for choosing it, Miguel.

[Michelle]

I think the people that are livid about taking in refugees don't understand -- or don't want to understand -- the situation that they're in. It's not like the civilians are asking for the continuous warfare. If the situation were reversed and sudden warfare broke out right in front of our houses, and taking one step outside meant compromising your life, we'd want a safe place we could run to, wouldn't we? I know this example is grossly simplified, but it's an alternative perspective.

Making Rasheed less evil wouldn't diminish the story, I don't think. Making him this evil and inhumane does, however - it just makes it hard for me to digest it. He just seemed like such a total monster that I can't imagine him with even a little morsel of rationality and sanity. I know there are people who probably do behave like him and are exactly like him in terms of his treatment of others, but that isn't what's striking an odd chord with me. It's the fact that beyond his cruelty, there's barely any depth to him. I guess I also have to factor in the fact that we're reading from Miriam and Laila's perspective, but there's no way in (however many years they were with him) that he didn't show any signs of vulnerability or insecurity. Or maybe I should just let this go and accept his character as is.

[Miguel]

I apologize for my late response on this one. Been rather busy this summer but I am still finding time to read. I’m really glad all of you enjoyed it as much as I did. There was a lot of pressure to find a good book for us to read and it looks like I chose a good one.

This book was so sad. Julie was right in that this book needed a happy ending. It was closure for both the characters and the reader. It truly baffles me how mistreated women are in some countries. Sharia law is terrible and inhumane. Rasheed was the representation of this in his household. Initially, he started off as a decent guy but things started unraveling once Mariam had a miscarriage.

I felt so bad for Mariam. With her mother’s suicide and her father neglecting her it just seemed like she couldn’t catch a break. Both women endured hardship and both sacrificed so much for the people they loved.

Michelle’s review was perfect. My favorite part of this book was learning about the struggle of women of Afghanistan. Especially, during it’s continuous time of turmoil. Seems like this country has been torn apart with no end in sight. The living condition of these people in constant battle is truly sad. Hopefully, I’ll be picking up Kite Runner soon.

I’m glad this book was enjoyable for everybody. Looking forward to Michelle’s pick next.