A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini has created a brilliant masterpiece in his new book A Thousand Splendid Suns, which should come as no surprise for those of you who have read his previous entry, The Kite Runner.

It is a story about perserverance, patience, strength and fortitude. The mental image that comes to mind is a dandelion protruding through blacktop. Here we have two dandelions, Mariam and Laila. From the onset, we recognize the internal strength of both women. We are also privy to the oppression of the culture in which they live.

Above all, this is a story that will long be remembered as one that depicts women facing centuries of oppression and having the courage to do something about it. It also reminds us that we cannot and should not assume that everyone living in an oppressive society condones the behavior of those in power. More importantly, this book forces those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a free society, a glimpse and perhaps an understanding of the other side of the coin.

This is a story that will not soon be forgotten.

Ladybookbug!