You see, some things I can teach you. Some you learn from books. But there are things that, well, you just have to see and feel.

Book of the week: The Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Rating: 4/5

About the book:

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Afghanistan from 1974 to 2003, this story explores the unlikely friendship between two women with a twenty-year age gap. Brought together by tragic circumstances, they form a deep, enduring bond that carries them through immense hardship. Alongside their personal journeys, the story paints a vivid portrait of Afghanistan itself—capturing both its breathtaking beauty and its dramatic transformation under shifting regimes.

I picked the book to re-immerse myself into the world of Khaled Hosseini eager for the emotional roller-coaster his stories always deliver.

Here is a breakdown of my thoughts, structured around a few core questions:

1. How is the writing in the book?

The writing is straightforward and comprehensible. It has a well-defined setting and the narrative flows effortlessly from one chapter to the next.

2. What is the dominant emotion invoked in me while reading the book?

Reading this book stirred two dominant emotions. First, a profound sympathy for the protagonists—I found myself turning pages, desperately hoping their circumstances would improve. Second, a deep appreciation for the author, whose skilful prose captures raw emotion with such authenticity.

3. What are the things I liked in the book?

I’ve been an admirer of Khaled Hosseini ever since reading The Kite Runner. He masterfully weaves complex human emotions into his character arcs. Beyond that, I deeply appreciated the book’s stark, meticulous look at the long-lasting psychological scars left by war.

4. What are the things I wish could have been better in the book?

The novel effectively illustrates how minor and major political changes shape the protagonists’ lives. However, deeper character arcs and a few more plot twists would have made the story significantly stronger for me. 

5. Who would you recommend the book to? Who in your life will appreciate the book?

If you enjoy stories that dive into the depths of human emotion and don’t mind shedding a few tears, this book is for you. I promise it won’t disappoint.