A few weeks ago Harriet at Is There a Plan B? reviewed a book called Making Babies as part of the new Tots 100 Book Club. The book club is in association  with Tesco. The idea is to review a favourite book and suggest another blogger you feel would appreciate it. Tesco then sends that person a copy of the book.
Harriet suggested I read Making Babies as she thought it would be interesting to hear how a mum who had a baby some time ago could relate to the book. Would I be more dispassionate because my own son was no longer a baby? Tesco have sent me a copy of the book, which I have started to read: will let you know in due course.
In the meantime, to complete my side of the bargain, I have to review a book which has made an impact on me within the last year. My choice is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I had read Hosseini’s previous book, the best-selling The Kite Runner, and found it to be an enlightening, emotional story which provided me with an insight into the difficult history experienced by the people in Afghanistan.
Whereas The Kite Runner focused on the relationship between two young boys, Amir and Hassan, A Thousand Splendid Suns takes a female perspective on the turbulent events in Afghanistan from the 1960s through to 2003. Mariam and Laila’s lives become intertwined and despite their struggle with violence, oppression, poverty and fear, it is their friendship which provides them with the strength to endure and fight back.
Despite what you might think, the novel isn’t hard to read. The historical and political references are clearly explained within the context of a supremely uplifting narrative. What I also found fascinating was how little I really knew about Afghanistan and the political turmoil it has endured. Although we see in the news how oppressive the Taliban regime is, Hosseini demonstrates how previous ruling governments were no strangers to brutality. The end of the Soviet occupation was welcomed by the Afghans who saw the victorious mujahideen as freedom fighters. How quickly infighting spread and the country was once again a war zone.
It wasn’t difficult to choose someone I thought would appreciate a copy of this book. Kelloggsville is currently recuperating after a back operation and, although she is desperate to be up and about exercising again, she knows she has to take some proper rest. So I’m hoping she will be diverted with a good book. Kelloggsville, as many of you may know, is a keen guider, a mentor of young girls in their Brownie and Ranger packs. She will understand more than most the importance of young women having a voice in society, feeling valued, possessing high self-esteem. The story of Mariam and Laila may be a fictional account but the context is real and true. In A Thousand Splendid Suns we see the individuals behind the burka. Hosseini has given the Afghan women their voice.
If you would like to try the book for yourself, it’s available from Tesco: A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled HosseiniÂ
Wow you've made this one sound interesting. Looking forward to it. Thank you.
I'm sure you will love it. One of those books which will stick with you: hard-hitting but not heavy, if that makes sense.
I loved both of Khaled Hosseini books, I hope Kellogsville love it and gets better soon. x
So pleased you're a fan. It was a friend who originally suggested The Kite Runner to me. Glad she did.
A splendid review. I can see it made an impact on you with your impassioned writing.
Ah thank you, Sarah. Reading it back, I haven't actually given a synopsis as such so I hope the enthusiasm I have for the novel makes up for that!
I loved "The Kite Runner" and I cannot wait to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" now, thanks to you!
I'm sure you'll find it just as good, even better!
Did you know that Khaled Hosseini has a foundation? It is a great way to help returning refugees to Afghanistan. Check it out: http://www.khaledhosseinifoundation.org
Thanks for that info. Interesting to read about Khaled Hosseini's background and his excellent work with this charity.
Kellogsville is in for a treat…I loved both books…..both made me realise how little I know about the female experience in other lives/times/places.
I think she is too! Yes, I came to realise I was very ignorant about Afghanistan, even though we hear so much about it in the news.
A book already on my bookshelf though I have yet to read it. I feel rather ashamed for saying that now.
You have a real treat in store, Steve. Let me know what you think, once you've blown the dust off it!
Ooh! Good choice. Although there's one scene in it (you know the one) that is still making me wince just thinking about it. Look forward to seeing what Kelloggsville thinks!
I had to flick through the book to work out which bit you meant, as it's some months since I read it. Is it the birth? I can see how that would stick with you!!
I loved The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns not so much. Although it was still very good, it didn't have the same impact for me. He is a very talented writer.
That's interesting you preferred his first book. Can't decide which I prefer but yes, he's an excellent writer.
I found it very sad. I came upon another very similar book, "Harmattan", by Gavin Weston, the similarities are striking, I wonder if he found inspiration from A Thousand Splendid Suns. Anyway, I reviewed both books on my website, feel free to have a look.
I'll go and have a look, thanks.
I read many books in a year. Some I read for entertainment and others to increase my knowledge. Then there is the rare book that does both of those things, plus touches your heart as well. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini does just that. Hosseini's The Kite Runner was a magnificent book, and I enjoyed A Thousand Splendid Suns even more.