A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I watched the movie Kite Runner and I was forever touched by the character of Hassan. I admire his loyalty, his friendship and his ability to forgive. I didn’t read the famous book but I heard things about it, good things. I refused to read it coz I was told it’s too heavy. I prefer a book for an entertainment and not those eye opening ones.
After watching the movie, I heard that there will be a sequel for the Kite Runner and I also heard the story will be heavier and again I told myself I don’t like those kind of books.
Last Saturday as I was chatting with Rom I realized it has been 9 months since I read a book and I miss the enchanting feeling of being caught up at the characters so I decided that my itinerary for Saturday was: eat out for lunch, buy a book and work.
I asked for recommendations from two friends: Rom and Mark so I went to FNAC but I didn’t get that far in looking for the 3 books because there’s this one which I fell in love at first sight. It was there under new releases and when I picked it up, I wasn’t able to put it down anymore. I chose a few more books but decided I’m getting the book: A Thousand Splendid Suns.
A Thousand Splendind Suns is about two Afghanistan women with 15 years age difference and with mishaps got their lives entwined.
I finished it in one seating, I can’t put it down nor stay away for too long. After the reading the book, I felt so blessed to be enjoying such freedom as a person. I often see people getting annoyed by teenagers playing loud music in the bus, I also get annoyed hearing people openly ridiculing our government. Not realizing that in other parts of the world music is not even allowed nor talking against the government can mean severe punishment and worst death.
I grew up in an environment that men and women are equal in terms of school, work and rights. I grew up with a mindset that I need to be educated to be able to have a promising future, I had dreams of doing this and that, becoming this and that and if God permits settle down in my own terms and the time I want.
I’m 28 now, striving to be the best in my field and settling down is not even yet considered but the two women characters in the book were way younger than myself when they got married. They were only both 15 years old. Gosh, I was having my high school crushes during this time but never even thought of marriage yet. One of them had 8 misconceptions before reaching the age of 20 and the other had two kids before 23.
One of the characters, Marian never experienced formal schooling. The other Lila, experienced schooling but never finished due to war. They were both married to a guy they don’t love. They were battered wives and the meaning of their existence is to please their husband.
I can’t help myself but be thankful for the often unnoticed blessings that I have. Book is excellent especially for women. I highly recommend you get a copy. It will not only make you appreciate what you have right now but it will also educate you on what happened in Afghanistan.