Review of A Thousand Splendid Suns

"One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls." — Saib-e-Tabrizi

When we mention Kabul today, it conjures images of bombings, destruction, and chaos, representing the aftermath of war and the loss of hope. Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns embodies these shattered dreams, exploring the lives of two women against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tragic history.

The story follows Mariam, a provincial girl rejected by her family, and Laila, an educated woman born during the Afghan Revolution in 1979. Although they come from vastly different backgrounds, their fates intertwine in a harsh reality, leading to a profound friendship as they navigate brutal marriages in a country in decline.

Drawing a parallel to Fleurs de Chine by Wei-Wei, which depicts generations of interconnected Chinese women, A Thousand Splendid Suns showcases how these two women, despite their different upbringings and temperaments, endure shared struggles for love, acceptance, and survival. Their initial conflicts evolve into a bond forged through mutual suffering.

The novel evokes a deep sense of sorrow for Afghanistan's history and struggles. Mariam's life symbolizes the country's anguish, illustrating her tragic descent from isolation to a life filled with pain and hardship, ultimately leading to her demise. This narrative reflects Afghanistan's lost beauty and the destruction of its rich cultural heritage.

Hosseini's writing captures the essence of Afghan life, from the flavors of its cuisine to the landscapes of Kabul. While not overly descriptive, the book effectively immerses readers in its atmosphere, making them feel the warmth of the sun and the pulse of daily life.

Central to the story are its characters. Mariam’s transformation from a spirited girl to a broken woman is heartbreaking, while Laila’s resilience and desire for freedom add depth to her character. Even Rasheed, the abusive husband, is portrayed with complexity, showing affection for his son. However, the most profound relationship is between Mariam and her father, Jalil, whose dual role as a loving yet failing parent adds layers to the narrative. The painful moments of their relationship, especially the heartbreaking end with a Pinocchio tape, amplify the story's emotional weight.

The sadness permeating the characters’ lives is particularly poignant. Mariam's execution is tragic not only as an act of injustice but also because she feels compelled to accept guilt to find meaning amidst suffering. This highlights the Taliban regime's brutal reality, which inflicts both physical and moral destruction on innocents. Mariam emerges as a martyr for the human spirit, representing the fight for life and justice against oppression.

Reflecting on the book from a 2023 perspective reveals its role as a historical artifact of American involvement in Afghanistan. Written in 2007, it initially assumed that American-led modernization would succeed. Yet, less than two decades later, the Taliban's resurgence highlights the collapse of that ideal.

The book hints at the systemic issues within Afghanistan, like the unchecked power of warlords and rampant corruption. However, it also emphasizes the success stories, such as Tariq working for a French NGO. Despite the hopeful depictions of progress, the reality shows a dependency on foreign aid and a lack of internal stability.

While A Thousand Splendid Suns focuses on the more liberal urban experiences, it overlooks the broader rural landscape and the complexities of Afghan life. This narrow lens may lead to an oversimplified view of the Taliban as mere invaders, neglecting the underlying societal issues.

These political considerations emerge as readers reflect on the book's insights into American misinterpretations of Afghanistan's situation. Despite this, the story transcends political discourse, celebrating the human experience of love, hope, and resilience amidst despair. A Thousand Splendid Suns stands out as a powerful narrative of the Afghan people and their enduring spirit, shining as brightly as its title suggests.