A Thousand Splendid Suns: Reviews by 2014 Reading Challengers

[Kathryn]

Once you've finished with the book, let us know what you thought! Leave your review (or just some general thoughts) here.

[Karen]

Absolutely loved this book! Hosseini has such a way with words and his books are beautifully written. I will be reading The Kite Runner in the future!

[Mahsa]

I just loved it so much that I'm not able to start reading another book!I need some time for all the events to soak in!Khaled Hosseini is a passionate storyteller.5 stars is not enough for his masterpieces!

[Ursula]

I loved Hosseini's Kite Runner but I love A Thousand Splendid Suns even more. What an unforgettable story.

[Elizabeth]

I just started the book but I love it so far. I think it is sad that her mother makes her feel unwanted.

[Alicia]

This book was heavy, filled with so much sadness and tragedy, but that also expressed the dire conditions for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. I previously read The Kite Runner and thought it was okay, maybe even pretty good. I think the author really found his footing with A Thousand Splendid Suns. It was lovely.

[Elizabeth]

Kathryn wrote: "Once you've finished with the book, let us know what you thought! Leave your review (or just some general thoughts) here."

I thought the book was great! I was sad Miriam was not able to go with Laila but she made a brave decision.

[Sue]

This is the first I've read from this author. Not a book I would have ever picked up on my own. Interesting, sad, and lovely story. Love the characters and complexity. Love, betrayal, compassion, desperation, devotion in this book is sweet and heart breaking.

[Kathryn]

I liked And the Mountains Echoed a bit more than this one, but I wasn't disappointed with this. It was an easy reading style, although the subject matter was quite intense at times. The ending was bitter-sweet, but very well done, in my opinion.

My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Robert]

This book is heavy at best, but a great read. I could not put this book down. A book full of history from the point of view from the three women protagonist. Great!!!

[Janet]

Like Robert, I could not put this book down. Like Mahsa I feel that 5 stars are not enough for Hosseini's 3 books. I loved them all.

[Reija]

I think this was awful book. I hate violence, so I don't usually pick any book I know they would be that much. I felt women situation was so hopeless and their whole life was just suffering, it was very hard enjoy those little good moments in their story. It was very hard to me to finish it, but I like his writing style very much so that helps. Reading life under Taliban got little bit more information than just read newspapers. It is unbelievable what people do each others. But I will never read this again.

[Mahsa]

Reija wrote: "I think this was awful book. I hate violence, so I don't usually pick any book I know they would be that much. I felt women situation was so hopeless and their whole life was just suffering, it was..."

Unfortunately,that's the truth of life of a lot of women.knowing their pain may not make any benefits for them,but will make us a better person! :)

[LyndiLea]

Excellent book! A story of the lives of 2 Afghan women and their will to survive in a war torn country. The story is raw, brutal, and in your face. Women in Afghanistan went from being lawyers, doctors, and professors to being worth less than the family dog. The story may be fiction but the hardships, social practices and economical situations are very real. What women face in other countries right now as I write this is down right appalling and sad, but it is their every day life. The violence and death they face completely astonished me and gave me a true appreciation for the comfort I am fortunate enough to live in. By luck of birth I am here and some other woman born the same day, same time is there facing bombings, beatings, gender discrimination, and so much more. Every woman needs to read this book but I also think it is important for men to read this book as well. The story, writing, and characters are great you won't be disappointed.

[LyndiLea]

Kathryn wrote: "I liked And the Mountains Echoed a bit more than this one, but I wasn't disappointed with this. It was an easy reading style, although the subject matter was quite intense at times...."

I like And the Mountains Echoed a bit more too but I liked A Thousand Splendid Suns a lot more than The Kite Runner.

[Kathryn]

Any more thoughts on A Thousand Splendid Suns as the month draws to a close?

I am definitely glad that I read this book and will be keeping an eye out for further work by Khaled Hosseini!

[Mahsa]

Thanks Kathryn!such a good choice and magnificent thread ;)

[Kathryn]

Mahsa wrote: "Thanks Kathryn!such a good choice and magnificent thread ;)"

Thanks, Mahsa! I've really enjoyed reading other people's thoughts about the book - sometimes points I hadn't considered.

And of course, for people running late getting to this month's group read, this thread will be archived but not closed, so you can always add to the discussion later.