She talks about Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns” which she first read back in Plus 2 and again recently. The novel depicts the lives of two Afghani women, also the two leading characters – Mariam and Laila – first separately, and then the novelist brings both of them together.[break]
How did you first hear about this book?
Many of my friends were reading it when I was doing my Plus 2. I had heard a lot about it from them. I knew it was about two Afghani women but I had no expectations whatsoever. I just wanted to read it because I had heard so much about it.
Keshab Thoker/Republica
Did the book disappoint you?
I didn’t like how the story ended for the character of Mariam. Her beginning was sad and miserable enough and it didn’t seem fair for her character. Because we have this fairytale mindset that things usually get better and I was disappointed with how things ended with Mariam.
The ending contradicts the title which initially tricks you into believing that there will be a happy ending.
Do you think this was Hosseini’s best work?
I only know two books written by him. I read “The Kite Runner” and it didn’t have as much impact as this one did. His works are easy to read and grasp, and the content usually deals with harsh realities, misery and coping with life.
Is there any part from the book that you can cite as unforgettable?
Nana, Mariam’s mother, tells her, “Like a compass needle that always points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman.”
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