A Thousand Splendid Suns is the second book created by Khaled Hosseini. Published in 2007, it shares many similarities with his initial release (The Kite Runner). A Thousand Splendid Suns takes place in Kabul, a province of Afghanistan. In contrast to his original release, which displays Afghanistan through the eyes of a man, this is the story of a woman from Afghanistan. The main character Mariam starts the story as a young girl. Through the story, we progressively move through her life and the hardships she faces through the Soviet-Afghan War and the initial Taliban invasion.

This book displays the travesties and injustices that occurred under the unruly rule of the Taliban. It is all the more relevant today considering the devastating re-invasion of the Taliban, and the slow descent into their old policies and rules. A Thousand Splendid Suns reflects the current-day realities in Afghanistan, as a section of the book explains the heartbreak when the girls are no longer allowed education, which has recently been taken away from them once again. Concurrently while learning about the life of Mariam, you explore Laila’s childhood and entry into adulthood as she goes through the same struggles as a now-older Mariam. In this book, you learn and love the strong and intimate display of these characters. The book is powerful, engaging, and a great way to begin to understand a different culture.

Review by: Nathan E.

Nathan is a virtual volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. He is an 11th grader at Discovery Charter High School.

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library