“A thousand splendid suns” by Khaled Hosseini, is a heart-rending tale of two women set in Afghanistan in the 1960s, when the country was at a war between the Soviet Communist and the Taliban.
“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.” The plot pivots around stories of two women, how their lives merge not by choice but for survival. Their relationship ignites with flares of jealousy and a tug of war for power over the household and husband. But when the two realize that they share the same enemy and are battling the horrendous consequences of the war, they lower their guards and bond into a love that transforms them into courageous women.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part revolves around Mariam, an illegitimate child of a popular, affluent businessman in Herat. She faces ruthless prejudices and blames not just from the big legitimate family of her father but her mother as well. “You are a clumsy little harami. This is my reward for everything I have endured. An heirloom-breaking, clumsy little harami.” Miriam is raised with a belief that she is a mistake. Her identity is carved with the repetition of such words. The second half revolves around Laila’s story. A good looking, intelligent daughter of progressive parents. There is a strake contrast in both the characters, not just in terms of their age but in terms of outlook and upbringing. Laila is portrayed as the woman Afghanistan needs. An educated, free-willed girl with a mind of her own. Her pre-marital sex with the love of her life, going to school, not wearing a burqa, are all reflective of it. The tragic death of Laila’s family in a bomb blast lands her in Miriam’s life. Although Miriam is the age of Laila’s mother, they become the wives of the same man. The latter half of the book offers some hope to the reader when love fumigates between the protagonists. The book begins to turn towards the brighter side.
The intricate description of the landscaping of Afghanistan, their food, aromas, homes, clothing and rituals give a feeling of a tour around the place. I found the book outstanding, in Khaled Hosseini’s ability to unveil the vulnerabilities of the characters clad in a burqa and how a bond of love lead to their metamorphosis. The language is lucid and the gripping narrative makes the book a page-turner. The graphic description of the war, depiction of bloodshed, oppression, suppression, brutality, starvation, loss and trauma leave the reader’s heart injured and their vivid depiction makes the eyes sore. All in all, this classic literary masterpiece by Khaled Hosseini leaves behind a bittersweet taste.
