A Thousand Splendid Suns: Part 4 (contains spoilers)

[Kathryn]

This thread is for the discussion of Part 4, chapter 48 through to the end, of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

If you haven't finished this section yet, beware: this thread could contain spoilers.

[Karen]

What a wonderful ending! I wanted to cry when Laila received the box from Jalil and started watching Pinocchio, even though she didn't understand it, it gave closure to one of Mariam's memories.

[Mahsa]

The ending was incredible!I was about to cry in the middle of a class!Especially the part that Laila had a visit to Mariam's house and felt her presence!And also the letter from from Jalil was really moving.Seeing how some one can regret his former life and knowing you can always change the other's life by your small decisions.Well done Khaled Hosseini !We are always waiting for your new book in Iran,where Laila and Tareeq spent few days!

[Kathryn]

I wonder how Mariam and Laila's life would have been changed if Mariam had opened the letter that Jalil left for her in the late 1980's and she'd received her inheritance. Might she have made a bid for freedom then? Probably not - she'd probably have given the money to Rasheed and had it all swallowed up in daily living. Or I wonder what might have happened if she'd talked to Jalil at the time and told him what her life was like - maybe he might have taken her away - used her "inheritance" to purchase her freedom.

I think it was lovely that they ended up at the orphanage, working with Zaman to do what they could for improvements to the place and to help educate the kids.

[Mahsa]

Kathryn wrote: "I wonder how Mariam and Laila's life would have been changed if Mariam had opened the letter that Jalil left for her in the late 1980's and she'd received her inheritance. Might she have made a bi..."

Each time I think about that letter,the things that may have been changed,the new life that Mariam may have experienced,I feel sad,and I can not help it :(

[Alicia]

Kathryn wrote: "I wonder how Mariam and Laila's life would have been changed if Mariam had opened the letter that Jalil left for her in the late 1980's and she'd received her inheritance. Might she have made a bi..."

I hadn't really thought of that, but I think you're right. I think Rasheed would have immediately claimed it and used it for his own purposes. It's so sad that Mariam never got closure with Jalil, but if she were able to see Laila and Tariq putting the inheritance to such a noble cause, she would have approved.

[Alicia]

A woman who will be like a rock in a riverbed, enduring without complaint, her grace not sullied but shaped by the turbulence that washes over her.

I love that sentence. I thought this was the most beautiful and perfect description of Mariam.

[Mahsa]

Alicia wrote: "A woman who will be like a rock in a riverbed, enduring without complaint, her grace not sullied but shaped by the turbulence that washes over her.

I love that sentence. I thought this was the mos..."

heartbreaking :(

[Michelle]

I loved the ending and how Laila will name her child after Mariam if it's a girl.

[Albany]

I, too, wondered what would have happened if Meriam had opened the door for Jalil when he visited her. So much heartbreak could have been avoided.

The scene where Laila goes to Meriam's old home and sits down with her eyes closed and pictures Meriam as a young girl was absolutely beautiful. Probably my favorite part of the book.

[Janet]

Michelle wrote: "I loved the ending and how Laila will name her child after Mariam if it's a girl."

That ending was wonderful. Made me cry, hoping she had a girl.