Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-22
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Marie Claire
`Explores the turbulent history of modern Afghanistan through the lives of two young characters'

The Times
`The novel offers extraordinarily harrowing insights into the lives of Afghan women over the past three decades .... If he cut his teeth by writing about his countrymen, it is the plight of Afghanistan's women that has brought him to realise his full powers as a novelist'

London Paper Book of the Week
`Hosseini has stuck with his winning formula: compelling, unflashy storytelling centred around two sympathetic protagonists struggling in difficult times ... nothing beats a good story'

Customer Reviews

A Thousand Splendid YES'S!!!
I must confess rather ashamedly, that I was somewhat skeptical when I was handed this book to read. They say 'never judge a book by its cover' and yet we all do it. The number of times I have walked past this book on the shelf and not even giving it a second glance is ridiculous because it actually IS a splendid story!

I couldn't help but relate to the two female characters in the story; their experience of loss, disappointment, hope, and personal strength. I even cried like a baby when I read the end of chapter 8 and then again in chapter 51. It absolutely broke my heart.

This book is a complete MUST READ!!! And it would be such a shame to miss the opportunity to read something so well written without coming across contrived and try-hard. It is honest, raw and passionate.

READ IT!!! You won't regret it.

If you only read one book this year . . .
Dazzlingly written account of the lives of two women in an Afghanistan caught up in series of wars and an unforgiving culture. Their lives are a constant struggle against starvation, fear, abuse and their callous husband. But it is not all bleak. There is a lot of love in many different forms and beauty too at times and in places you would least expect. Not forgetting some startling twists and turns.

absolutely brilliant!! a must read
I expected this book to be a hard read as i am 14, but i found it very easy to read and it was extremely good. There was so many emotions to the story. I felt very sorry for miriam and laila. Their friendship broke all the barriers. A brilliant read. He shows how young these girls are but how mature they become and how their friendship grows over time. Even though it had some sad parts love won in the end!! a MUST READ!