A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns: I finished reading the book last year in November. I had been quite lazy to pen down my thoughts. The story begins with the childhood of a young girl, Mariam, who is always called 'harami' by her mother. The story kicks off with the daughter disobeying her mother and had to face the truth of life; thus realising "all the glitters is not gold!" A 15 year old girl is forced to marry a man who is 30 years older than her after the death of her mother.

Several years later, the was begins; thousands of people lose their life and beloved ones as well. The young Laila loses her parents, brothers and the love of her life. Unaware that her chilhood hero is alive, Laila is forced to marry Rasheed, Mariam's husband who is in 60's.

Though, Mariam can't stand a new women in her husband's life. As time goes on, the two women share their happy times, sorrows just likes two sisters or rather say they share a bonding that of a mother and a daughter. Khaled Hosseini brings out all the grievences the women had to undergo and the basic rights they are deprived of.

Years later, Laila's love Tariq returns. Her love for him is eternal. Rasheed, her husband, suspects and she is beaten to death. In the act of saving Laila, Mariam kills their husband. A few days later, she is sentenced to death. Her dreams of meeting Laila, her children and her grandchildren remain a dream. The role of Mariam is unique. Before she is sentenced, she is happy and sad. Sad because she was called a 'harami' throughout her life. But she was thankful for the wonderful moments with Laila, Aziza and Zalmai, her kids; grateful that she had a friend for life like Laila.

Its very surprising to read the emotions and grieviences Khaled Hosseini has written about women in this book. The book though describes the devasting situation, is worth reading a thousand times :)