A Thousand Splendid Suns Summary. it is a 2007 novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, following the huge success of his bestselling 2003 debut The Kite Runner.
Mariam, an illegitimate teenager from Herat, is forced to marry a shoemaker from Kabul after a family tragedy. Laila, born a generation later, lives a relatively privileged life, but her life intersects with Mariam's when a similar tragedy forces her to accept a marriage proposal from Mariam's husband.
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| A Thousand Splendid Suns Summary |
A Thousand Splendid Suns Summary
A Thousand Splendid Suns is set in Afghanistan from the early 1960s to the early 2000s. Mariam, a young girl in the 1960s, grows up outside Herat, a small city in Afghanistan. Mariam has complicated feelings about her parents: She lives with her spiteful and stubborn mother, Nana; while her father Jalil, a successful businessman, visits Mariam — his only illegitimate child — once a week. Mariam resents her limited place in Jalil's life; she wants to live with him, his three wives, and her half-siblings in Herat. She makes her wishes known by asking Jalil to take her to see Pinocchio for her fifteenth birthday. Jalil reluctantly agrees, but then never shows up to take her to the film. Mariam walks to heart and finds Jalil's house, but he doesn't let her in, so she sleeps on the street. The next morning, Jalil's chauffeur drives Mariam home where she finds that her mother has committed suicide.
Mariam is taken to Jalil's home after her mother's funeral. Jalil's wives want nothing to do with Mariam, so they force him to let her marry Rasheed, a widowed shoemaker in Kabul. At first Rasheed treats Mariam decently, but after she suffers miscarriage after miscarriage, he abuses her both physically and verbally. It becomes clear that Rasheed's only use for Mariam is in her ability to replace the son he lost years ago.
Growing up down the street from Rasheed and Mariam is Laila, a young, intelligent girl from a loving family. However, the Afghani war against the Soviets disrupts Laila's childhood and both her older brothers leave to join the war. Laila seeks comfort from her best friend, Tariq, a boy a few years older than her. Just before Laila reaches adolescence, her parents' receive news that both of their sons have been killed. A few years later, war reaches Kabul and bombs fall on the city regularly. By now, Tariq and Laila are teenagers and in love. As Tariq tells Laila that he and his family are fleeing to Pakistan, the couples makes love for the first time, quickly and passionately. A few days later, Laila's parents decide to leave Afghanistan as well, but as they are packing a rocket hits their house, killing Laila's parents and wounding her.
Rasheed and Mariam nurse Laila back to health and after she recovers, a stranger, Abdul Sharif brings her news that Tariq has died. Devastated and realizing she's pregnant with Tariq's child, Laila agrees to marry Rasheed. Mariam is initially hurt and threatened by Laila's presence and refuses to have anything to do with her. However, after Laila gives birth to a daughter, Aziza, the women come to see themselves as allies against Rasheed's abusive, manipulative ways. A few years later, Laila gives birth to a son, Zalmai. Then, one afternoon, after years of abuse and sadness, Laila is shocked to see a man standing at her front door: Tariq.
Tariq and Laila spend the afternoon together while Rasheed is at work. Laila and Mariam realize that Rasheed hired Abdul Sharif to tell Laila about Tariq's untrue demise so she wouldn't run away. When Rasheed finds out that Tariq has come home, he brutally beats Laila. With a shovel, Mariam kills Rasheed. The next day, Mariam turns herself over to the Taliban in an effort to clear the way for Laila to find sanctuary for herself and her children in Pakistan with Tariq.
In Pakistan, Tariq and Laila marry and finally begin the life they dreamed of so many years ago. With time, both of Laila's children warm to Tariq and they enjoy their new life. But in September, 2001, their happiness is overshadowed by news that the United States has attacked Afghanistan. Following the US invasion, conditions in Kabul improve, and Laila insists that her family move back home so they can help rebuild their city. They stop by Herat on their way to Kabul, where Laila visits Mariam's old home and is able to come to terms with her grief over Mariam's execution. Laila and Tariq build a new life in Kabul: Laila becomes a schoolteacher at the orphanage where Aziza once lived. And when Laila becomes pregnant, she decides that if she has a girl, she'll name her Mariam.
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A Thousand Splendid Suns Themes
Women and Femininity: The novel serves as a powerful and unflinching critique of the systemic oppression faced by women in Afghanistan, particularly under the Taliban regime. Mariam and Laila's stories highlight the limitations placed on their lives, from forced marriages to restricted freedoms and constant fear of violence. However, the novel also showcases the resilience and strength of women, their enduring love for each other, and their ability to find solace and strength within their bonds.
Suffering and Perseverance: Both Mariam and Laila endure unspeakable hardship throughout the novel, facing betrayal, violence, and loss. Their individual narratives and intertwined struggles demonstrate the immense capacity of humans to suffer and persist, highlighting the importance of resilience and finding hope even in the darkest of times.
Love and Family: Despite the brutal circumstances, love emerges as a powerful force in the novel. Mariam's bond with Laila and Aziza transcends societal expectations, forming a family based on shared experience and mutual support. The novel explores various forms of love, from maternal and romantic to the profound friendship between women, showcasing its ability to offer solace and meaning in the face of unimaginable hardship.
History and Memory in Afghanistan: A Thousand Splendid Suns is deeply embedded in the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, weaving the characters' personal struggles with the country's political and social upheavals. The novel explores the lasting impact of war on individuals and communities, the trauma of displacement, and the importance of preserving memories of a shattered past.
Power and Abuse: The dynamics of power play a significant role in the novel, as men like Rasheed wield their authority over women and control every aspect of their lives. The novel exposes the devastating consequences of unchecked power and explores the psychological effects of abuse on both the victim and the perpetrator.
Identity and Belonging: Both Mariam and Laila grapple with questions of identity and belonging throughout the novel. Mariam's illegitimate birth and life as a "harami" leave her ostracized, while Laila's displacement from Kabul and forced marriage challenge her sense of self. The novel explores how war and social upheaval can disrupt one's sense of belonging and the ongoing search for finding a place where one truly feels accepted and understood.
Forgiveness and Redemption: The concept of forgiveness is a complex and nuanced theme in the novel. Mariam's final act of defiance offers a form of self-redemption, while Laila's choice to leave Kabul raises questions about forgiveness and moving forward after trauma. The novel leaves the question of forgiveness open-ended, prompting readers to consider its possibility and complexities in the face of immense suffering.
Questions and Answers about A Thousand Splendid Suns Plot
What is the main message of Thousand Splendid Suns? The primary theme in the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns is the rights of women, especially under the Taliban. Mariam and Laila grow up during regimes that are not oppressive. Although Mariam's father's family pushes her into marriage with Rasheed, it is ultimately her choice to agree to marry him.
Is there a love story in A Thousand Splendid Suns? Mariam, one of the most tragic characters in literature, makes this book what it is; a story of love and strenghth. She, who didn't have an easy day in her life, allows herself to be touched by the love of Laila and her children. In return, she performs the ultimate act of love and saves a family.
Why is it called Thousand Splendid Suns? That title comes from a 17th century poem that's an ode to the city of Kabul: One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.
Who does Mariam love? Finally, Mariam is able to find love through the intense bond she shares with Laila and her connection with Aziza. Mariam's decision to sacrifice herself so Laila, Aziza, and Zalmai can run away is a powerful example of both her capacity for suffering and her ability to love.
Does Mariam have a happy ending? For the first time in the story, Mariam takes agency over her own life and kills Rasheed. This almost maternal sacrifice allows Laila to escape with Tariq. The consequence, however, is that Mariam will surely be executed. Part Three ends with Mariam sacrificing her life.
Is A Thousand Splendid Suns a sad story? A thousand splendid suns has been a very emotional read for me. I guess, I cried for more than 5 to 6 times. The very first time when Nana hangs herself up. I think this event might have made everyone cry their heart out.
How did A Thousand Splendid Suns end? With a shovel, Mariam kills Rasheed. The next day, Mariam turns herself over to the Taliban in an effort to clear the way for Laila to find sanctuary for herself and her children in Pakistan with Tariq. In Pakistan, Tariq and Laila marry and finally begin the life they dreamed of so many years ago.
Why was Mariam killed in A Thousand Splendid Suns? Mariam kills Rasheed and surrenders herself to the Taliban for execution. She liberates Laila from the daily abuse and neglect so that she can start a new life.