A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns is the second novel from acclaimed best-selling author Khaleid Houssini, the first being the soon-to-be-film adapation, The Kite Runner. In "A Thousand Splendid Suns," the reader follows the story of young Mariam, bastard daughter of a depressed housewife and a rich father who lives with his wives and daughter in a much richer neighborhood of war-torn Afghanistan. You follow her through her young life and search for acceptance from her father through her marriage to an abusive man who takes on a second wife, much younger girl Laila, whos parents are killed in the war for Iraq. The reader follows the two as they become confidantes, trying to hide secrets from each other and plot escape from their abusive husband. A book sure to tug at the heartstrings. Depending on personal tastes, the writing style can seem fascinating or tedious. Houssini, using his generally simple writing style, blends history of Afghanistan and it's past and current wars into the storyline. Those interested will find more than filler in this tragic tale. Those wanting to progress the story may find themselves skimming pages.