Women's Struggle for Survival in Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

The famous novel, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini depicts the struggles of two young ladies, Mariam, and Laila amidst the political uproars, in the backdrop of Afghanistan. The novel explores the complexities of their lives against the backdrop of political upheavals, highlighting the difficult realities that Afghan women must face. From social rejection to an abusive marriage, Mariam's journey is told with poignant emotional depth, and Laila's tragic circumstances come together to reveal a deep female friendship in the face of adversity. From heartbreaking loss to tender friendships, Hosseini's storytelling captures a range of emotions, providing a universal examination of resilience in the face of repressive regimes and the devastation of war. The book goes beyond its historical context to become a potent illustration of the resilience of the human spirit.

Mariam, an illegitimate child born to a wealthy businessman and his servant, is introduced in the story. Growing up in a small village, Mariam experiences hardship and abuse at the hands of her family. Her life drastically changes when she is forced into marrying Rasheed, a much older and violent man, through an arranged marriage. Along the way, Laila, a young child from a more progressive family, is introduced in the story of Mariam. When the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan tears apart Mariam's family, Laila's life becomes entwined with hers. Laila, seeking safety, is forced to wed Rasheed as well, and the two women wind up in a challenging and controlling household. As they work through the difficulties of their shared life, Mariam and Laila forge a strong and lasting bond despite their early conflict and resentment. As they face the challenges imposed by Rasheed and the unstable political environment in Afghanistan, which includes the rise of the Taliban, their friendship grows stronger.

Despite harsh conditions, the book examines themes of love, selflessness, resilience, and the enduring strength of female friendship. It depicts Afghan women's difficulties during a turbulent time in the nation's history, highlighting the effects of war, cultural norms, and societal expectations on the lives of its characters. But regardless of the following, I wasn’t a fan of the book; and I’ve got my reasons for it.

Firstly, the author mentions the intensity of the emotions in a very hard-headed, emphasizing way. Which, for me, breaks the link from the reality. As the struggles are too overly exaggerated, the real emotions, or the real connection seems to fade for me. It gets overwhelming to read at times. Therefore, I’d say this book was not for me.

~The Stressed Potato