Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15 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 gripping book
This book drew me in, and I could not rest until I'd finished it, however even then I felt uneasy. Like one of the person that rated this book 3 stars, I agree that some of the characters were too black and white, too good and too evil, which annoyed me immensely. After the book I felt angry at the world, knowing that there are some people, like Rasheed that do exist, which is perhaps why I was more relieved with the ending. I very much welcomed the return of a certain character, because by that point I loathed Rasheed to the point where the fact that he was a fictional character became blurred. All in all, it is well written, gripping but very annoying, because the evil person in this book is is simply too evil, and thus would not reccommend it for the light hearted.

Just when you thought The Kite Runner was amazing...
...he comes along with an even more heart-wrenching, addictive novel!! Give that man a prize!

This is such a great read. I finished it in just 2 sittings, staying up till the early hours of the morning to do so. The style, as others have commented, is similar to Kite Runner. He gives such a fascinating insight into being a female in Afghani culture and an understanding of the frustrations of their lives as subservient to the men in the household. This book really, really pulls at the heartstrings, and has gone on to become one of the most famous books of recent years for very good reasons.

If you enjoyed the Kite Runner, you will love this...but also do read "The Bookseller of Kabul".

So moving.
I had been haunted by 'The Kite Runner' for a long time after I finished it. I did not imagine 'A thousand splendid suns' would move me even more. But it did. I think it's because I'm a woman and I could easily put myself in the shoes of Mariam or Laila. How can one live a life of hurt, both physically and mentally? This story had me through so many emotions. What's harder is to know that it's not just a story. It IS the life of too many women. This is the kind of book that makes you open your eyes and say thanks for the love you SHARE with your husband and not take it for granted anymore. Great book. Thanks for it.