A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNSKhaled Hosseini
Personal Rating: 4.25/5
Yearly Count: 68
My experience with this novel was one of intrigue and curiosity. As I was reading, my desire increased to know more about the people of Afghanistan. Thankfully, throughout the novel, many of my questioning thoughts were answered.
I appreciate Hosseini's ability in telling this fictional account of two women, yet more so, I marvel at how he weaved the history into his storytelling without become textbook-like. Sometimes it was so realistic that l felt like I was right there with them in the same room. It was captivating.
The cornerstone of this novel is one of relationships, relationships within the confines of a household and those outside. It provides us with a powerful example of what life could be like. It reminds me to be more appreciative of my freedom and not take my family or conveniences for granted.
Oh I absolutely loved this book!!!! I remember that The Kite Runner sat on my bookshelf for over a year before I opened it up...but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I was at Barnes and Noble the morning that A Thousand Splendid Suns came it...both books were amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked this. I plan on reading it early next year after I read The Kite Runner this year (hopefully before the movie comes out).
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fascinating. I have a friend in Afghanistan right now, and I think it would be interesting to read about the area and it's people. Thank you for mentioning this book.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorites of 2007 so far. I still haven't read his first novel, but I have it in the stack. He was a nice "discovery" for me and I'm looking forward to reading more from him.
ReplyDeleteI picked this up when it first came out, but have been saving it for my vacation in September. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't decide between a 4.25 and 4.5 when I originally was rating it, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Soon after posting, I changed it. I am much more comfortable with the 4.25 rating.
ReplyDeleteDanielle B. ~ I certainly enjoyed this one, but I liked THE KITE RUNNER more.
3M ~ Enjoy! :)
Heather ~ I think having a connection to Afghanistan would definitely add to your enjoyment.
Sam ~ You have the best one (IMO) ahead of you.
Nyssaneala ~ It's good. I think you'll enjoy it, too.
Those were my thoughts, too, Joy. I so appreciate living with the freedoms I have. Such a different life those women led. I'll never look at rice the same way again!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Joy! This book hit me really hard, but I loved it and want more more more. YOU are a tough rater! :)
ReplyDeleteLes ~ Unfortunately there are many that still live like that. :(
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I rated THE KITE RUNNER a 5/5; I loved that one. This one just didn't hit me the same way even though I thought it was very good.
I loved this book--for many of the same reasons you did. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ Hooray for Hosseini! :)
ReplyDeleteJoy - As I was coming to see your response, I just realized that I posted on here *twice* before. Duh!! I am guessing once was before my hiatus and once after. I'm NOT a total spaz!!
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ LOL! You may write as many comments as you would like...they are always welcomed.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming that you have read The Kite Runner, which was probably my favorite book. I can't wait to take the time to read A Thousand Splendid Suns!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
www.thewrittenword.wordpress.com
Stephanie ~ Yes, I did read The Kite Runner and liked it more than this one. I look forward to future novels by Hosseini.
ReplyDelete