I didn’t know I loved historical fiction until I read The Kite Runner a few years ago. Since then, I’ve read a lot of it because I feel like my knowledge of non-Western history is very limited, but I’m not into reading textbooks on the various dynasties of China, for example. I’d much rather learn my history in the context of a well-written story. Often this is a somewhat sad story, and for me it’s a good thing. I need to be reminded how blessed I am (otherwise I take my privileged life for granted and start seeing my blessings as rights instead of blessings), and how much this world – in all ages – has needed and will need the salvation and restoration our God brings.

If you’ve read The Kite Runner, you know the talent of Khaled Hosseini – his ability to tell an engaging, powerful, personal tale against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s heart-breaking history. A Thousand Splendid Suns is Hosseini’s second and latest novel, and one I highly recommend. I loved The Kite Runner, but I think I liked this one even more only because the main characters are women, and while I can in no way relate to their circumstances, I feel more connected to them just because they are women, and I think you will, too.

The story is of two women of very different backgrounds, generations, and even cultures in some ways, being thrust together in an unexpected way I hope you will not see coming. The book has several twists, and I don’t want to rob you of the pleasure of discovering them on your own.

The first part of the book focuses on Mariam, the older of the two women, who was born an outcast and married off at a young age to an, ahem, undesirable man. In the second part of the book we meet Laila, the second of the women, who at the time is an 8-year-old girl living a relatively privileged life on the same street that Mariam and her husband call home. They are brought together through an act of war and spend many years together, at first disliking each other but growing in love and hope together.

One aspect I appreciate about Hosseini’s books is the way they capture the reader’s attention and make Afghanistan’s sad, confusing history come to life through personal experience. Both of his books span decades. This one starts in the 60s and ends in 2003. It gives us insight on the war with the Soviet Union, the rule of the warlords and then the Taliban, and how the hope of the people rose with each new regime and then fell as life went from bad to worse every time. Even though Hosseini’s work is historical fiction, the characters and events are completely believable and none of the events seem sensationalized. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a quick read because it’s so enthralling. So, give it a chance! Order it from the Orange County library, which delivers to your door, by the way. You’ll be glad you did.

Leave a Reply