Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Reviewer: Caroline Reber, online account strategist, Google, and former sales representative for Global Atlanta through an internship program of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia
After having read “The Kite Runner” by the same author my expectations were high. I can’t say “A Thousand Splendid Suns” took my breath away to the same extent as its precursor, but it sure did leave a powerful impression.
The novel is about two women whose paths are crossed in a war-torn Afghanistan. Although the two main characters are separated by age and beliefs their harsh situation make them form a powerful bond.
Mr Hosseini tells the story of a beautiful country destroyed by war, and paints a painful picture of the constant struggle for equality many women still face. The novel left me with an uneasy feeling, a feeling of wanting to do something to help. Even though it´s a fiction novel the story is not far from reality, and it makes you appreciate the western approach to gender equality even more, although it is not perfect at all times.
Mr Hosseini has an ability to give life to both characters and surroundings, and reading him feels like traveling far, far away, to a different culture and time. It’s not something you read while traveling yourself, since it most definitely will grab all of your attention. It´s rather something to consider when you need to escape the normal round of everyday life for a bit.
Altogether “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is a touching and at the same time educative story, that I believe won´t leave anyone neutral. Definitely worth your time!
Editor’s note: Ms. Reber is on medical leave from the Google office in Dublin, Ireland, and has written a book about her experience with illness — “Life Happened.” The book is being financed through crowdfunding and has now reached enough sales to be published. To learn more or to purchase a copy, click here.
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