Afghanistan: the name still sparks memories of war and violence even though recent attempts are being made to regain stability and peace. Even now, war continues in Afghanistan. But the war causes people to forget that there are other, ordinary people still present in Afghanistan who are struggling in hope of their old and safe Afghanistan.  “A Thousand Splendid Suns” brings a heart wrenching story of two women amidst violence, tension, and crime. This story brings life to the people of Afghanistan, explaining how everything began and how hope is still present.

The story focuses on two main character, Mariam and Laila. The first part of the book is Mariam’s story, the middle changes to Laila’s story, and towards the end the stories combine and each chapter alternates on the perspective of Laila and Mariam.

Mariam is the illegitimate child the famous cinema theater owner, Jalil. When Jalil found out that Mariam’s mother, Nana, was pregnant with his child, he was forced by his family to kick Nana out of the house. He build a separate house for both of them. Mariam loves Jalil, but as a few months pass, Mariam visits her father’s house where she is not allowed to come inside. Mariam returns back home, disappointed, to find that her mother has committed suicide.Jalil, forced by the circumstances, takes Mariam. He marries her off to a forty-five year old shoemaker. A few years pass, and Mariam is in Kabul.

The story starts to focus in on the life of young, and beautiful Laila who lives in the same neighborhood as Rasheed. Laila is close friends with Tariq. They both grow up together, and find themselves falling in love, when Tariq finds out he must leave Afghanistan. In the brief moments they have together, Laila commits the same sin Nana had many years back. Tariq leaves, and Laila is pregnant. Meanwhile, Kabul is becoming more dangerous. Laila’s family also decides to leave Afghanistan to meet up with Tariq’s family. While Laila and her family are getting ready to leave, a rocket destroys the house, killing Laila’s parents. Rasheed takes Laila in, and Rasheed informs Laila that Tariq has died. Laila marries Rasheed and the story has just begun. Will Laila, a young and intelligent girl, be able to survive with the ignorant and stupid Rasheed?

This is an amazing book. Before I read it, I never thought of Afghanistan as a beautiful and welcoming place. After reading this book, though, I know I have a refined image of Afghanistan in my mind.

This book is really suspenseful. I found myself flipping pages continuously. The survival of two women who are forced to live with a horrible man displays the struggles of the women of Afghanistan. But this book also portrays the deep relationship of frienship.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read.