A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Back in 2003, I picked up The Kite Runner and devoured it one day, I didn’t put it down all day. Looking back, I think it was one of the first books that I read after losing my mum and it was definitely one that reignited my love of reading.

When A Thousand Splendid Suns was published I was so excited I rushed out to get it and then left it on my shelf and forgot about. If that’s not bad enough, my memory completely failed me and when I saw it realised in paperback I rushed out and bought that (please tell me I’m not the only one to have done that) and still didn’t read it.

Last week, I finally picked it up and just fell completely in love it. I absolutely adore Khaled Hosseini’s writing, he is a master storyteller but what’s so special about this beautiful book are the two amazing characters Mariam and Layla.

Just like The Kite Runner, I found this one impossible to put down. The insight into the lives of this two Afghan women that he gives us is just incredible; their stories broke my heart and warmed my heart.

Mariam and Layla are forced together, both wives of Rasheed. The abuse these women endured in their own home was just horrifying but when the Taliban take over, they face a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear.

I’m struggling to think of two characters that have hit me quite as hard as Mariam and Layla. This is just such a powerful story that shows the terrible suffering of women but also their amazing strength to endure and survive.

I’ve had many messages and comments about this one from those who’ve read it and loved and those who have copies sitting unread on their shelves. If you’re in the latter group, I really would urge you to dig it out and read it. It is truly one of the most beautiful and compelling books I’ve read.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this one, did you love it as much as I did? Also have you read And The Mountains Echoed yet and is it one you’d recommend?

Have a lovely day