‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini

As one of my favourite books, I’d like to recommend reading Hosseini’s best-selling novel, ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. Set in Afghanistan (1959-2004), it explores the violent treatment of women in Eastern societies by following the lives of two female protagonists, Mariam and Laila, who - through their marriage to Hosseini’s antagonist, Rasheed - are forced to endure various forms of violence.

Violence is portrayed as deeply embedded in the political and religious fabric of society, and demonstrates how ideologies could result in either encouraging or at least turning a blind eye to violence against women.

Hosseini presents an overview of the transition of government from Soviet political control (1979-1989) to the Taliban era of Afghanistan (1992) to American intervention (post 9/11), and the effects of these different governments, particularly on women’s lives. This prominent political backdrop runs parallel to events in the main plot: as the war in Afghanistan worsens, so does the abuse towards the female characters. As such, the political backdrop functions as both a structural device and a direct barometer of how women are treated behind closed doors.

Marriage is shown to be used to condition women to be the ‘angel in the house’ figure, showcasing qualities of obedience and self-sacrifice. Despite her attempts to fulfil this role, Mariam, and later Laila, becomes a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Rasheed:

“His powerful hands clasped her jaw. He shoved two fingers into her mouth and pried it open. Then forced…pebbles into it…his upper lip curled into a sneer.”

And yet, it is through this violence that a bond is formed between these two victims, which allows this novel to be an unforgettable read, due to the overpowering sense of sisterhood and unity which drives readers to invest their support for Mariam and Laila.

Overall, I would highly recommend you take the time to read this novel, if you haven’t already. Through its vivid description of what one is capable of doing to another, and its display of the resilience and collaboration these women have in the face of adversity, it has become one of my most memorable experiences.

Helen

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References:

Hosseini, Khaled. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’, 2007.