A Thousand Splendid Suns Reviews

by Khaled Hosseini

Overall

4.86 of 5 (by 43 users)

add to my favorites email to a friend view more Book Reviews

A Thousand Splendid Suns Review Summary

A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini (author of Kite Runner too!), is a touching story of two women living in war torn Afghanistan. As it follows the women's lives, the reader learns about the middle eastern culture, the effects of war on modern day women, and about powerful bonds that are formed out of terrible circumstances. Viewpoints reviewers say it is a must read. "There are a thousand reasons to read this book!" It is a page turner, captivating, powerful and the "best book of 2007!" Looking for more good book reviews? Viewponts has everything from kid's books to epic novels and everything in between!

	86%
	14%
	0%
	0%
	0%

100%

Pros show all Pros

Cons show all Cons

A Thousand Splendid Suns Ratings and Reviews

items/page: 15 | 30 | 50 displaying 1 to 15 of 43 sort by: most helpful | date | rating

helpful
votes

A Thousand Reasons to Read This...

avid reader, a library-goer, fiction reader

SEP

2007

There are probably a thousand reasons to love this book; but I'll outline just a few of them. A Thousand Splendid Suns by novelist Khaled Hosseini is a wonderfully written exploration into the meaning of life when it's lived in modern day Afghanistan. Hosseini provides a glimpse into the lives of two women; the heartaches that shatter them and the bonds that strengthen them. This is a story that has a lot of historical and cultural information. In addition, it has the drama and heart of bona fide classic. — Although I highly recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns, I… read full review »

read 3 comments

LoveisJoy
Chicagoland, IL

helpful
votes

story of women living through terrible political conditions

avid reader, a library-goer, read for fun

SEP

2007

This second novel by gifted writer, Khaled Hosseini, will keep you entranced from the first chapter. It is a difficult book to read sometimes when the two women Mariam and Laila are faced with surviving horrible circumstances brought on by war and then strict Taliban rule in Afghanistan. How they manage to survive through all this will inspire you and make you wonder how many women in Afghanistan today have similar stories. How Hosseini manages to write so well about women is amazing. His books shed light on a beautiful, wonderful place that has suffered so much for so many… read full review »

read 3 comments

Reviewer
Wayne, PA

helpful
votes

Absolute page turner

avid reader

SEP

2007

This was the second book by Hosseini that I read and I didn't think it could top his first (The Kite Runner) but it was excellent! I loved the story and character development and the insight into Afghan culture. Excellent book, especially if you're interested in strong female characters and plotlines. Buy this book! Then read The Kite Runner… read full review »

write a comment

rubygirl
Jeffersonville, IN

helpful
vote

Very insightful read about life as a woman in Afghanistan.

a fiction reader, an avid reader

FEB

2008

This novel was an excellent follow up of The Kite Runner. I especially enjoyed learning more from the female perspective. The Author does a great job of thoroughly introducing the reader into the lives of each of the primary characters before the story weaves their lives together. My heart was broken for each main character and remains broken for the many women who live in this constant state of fear and despair. — Educational, heart wrenching and very well constructed novel. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Afghanistan, men… read full review »

write a comment

LISAP
Tyler, TX

helpful
vote

Best book of 2007

avid reader, fiction reader, read for fun

NOV

2007

I was hesitant to read Kite Runner but so many people recommended it that I finally broke down & gave it a read. Of course I loved it & couldn't wait for this 2nd book. I bought it the day it came out & was not disappointed one bit. — While Kite Runner was wonderful, this story of 2 Afghan women hit closer to home. Reading about their lives pre, during & post Taliban was quite emotional. — Khaled Hosseini is a wonderful writer & does women's voices beautifully. — I don't know what he has planned for a 3rd story, but I can hardly wait to find out. … read full review »

write a comment

mskbflo
Scottsdale, AZ

helpful
vote

Great story of friendship / families under terrible situations

avid reader, a fan of clever plots, fiction reader, character-lover

AUG

2007

This was a great second book from the author of Kite Runner, you won't be disappointed. — The story of 2 very different women thrown into terrible circumstances and they form a friendship and eventually a family. It's a beautiful story. You really root for the women and hope they will one day find happiness. It really teaches you a lot about the history of Afghanistan and really makes you happy to be American. It's amazing to realize these women weren't living in the distant past but now & women still live like that over there. —… read full review »

write a comment

tjbearden
Midland, GA

A must read

avid reader, read for fun

NOV

2007

This should be in any avid reader's collection. It's difficult to imagine a harder first act to follow than The Kite Runner: a debut novel by an unknown writer about a country many readers knew little about that has gone on to have over four million copies in print worldwide. But when preview copies of Khaled Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, started circulating at Amazon.com, readers reacted with a unanimous enthusiasm that few of us could remember seeing before. As special as The Kite Runner was, those readers said, A Thousand Splendid Suns is more so, bringing Hosseini's… read full review »

write a comment

tide1800
Tuscaloosa, AL

It spirits you away to Afghanistan...

character-lover

NOV

2007

A friend of mine who has lived and worked in Afghanistan insisted that I read this author's first book, "The Kite Runner", and I was not disappointed. I didn't know if Hosseini could live up to the hype generated by his first book, but "A Thousand Splendid Suns" did not disappoint. While it is a totally different subject matter and a different type book, it also evoked the feeling of what it is like to live in the area and in the culture. I had the fortune to have read both books and then listened to them in an unabridged audio form. To hear them read by someone who… read full review »

write a comment

horan302
Euless, TX

Two women with great spirits who overcame great hardships.

reading non-fiction, a fiction reader, an avid reader

FEB

2008

This story is a wonderful story of hope. What I love about this author is how he breaks down the barriors and divissions which our society has created especially the media. He shows us that in every society, in every religion, and in every culture there are the good and the bad. He shows the black and the white and the gray in our daily lives. I found this story like his last novel very enlightening. You have two women from very different family situations brought together and at first not really liking each other. As the book progresses they develope a… read full review »

write a comment

rpeterson
Santa Rosa, CA

A disturbing reality of the woman of Afghanistan"

Prefer factional/some liberties fine, Romance! Yuck, avid reader, multi-culti enthusiast, a woman, history buff, mom of 2 boys

DEC

2007

From the time I picked up A Thousand Splendid Suns, I was unable to stop reading. The historical writing by, Khaled Hosseini, was amazingly sad, and even with some liberties taken was what I would consider a book of Afghan and other Middle Eastern religious history and the wars that follow. — The choices of the woman and basically nill in this incredible read, and what they endure to protect their lives and their children is off the charts incredible! I cannot wait to to run out and buy The Kite Runner, also by Khaled… read full review »

write a comment

ladiekadie
Lagrange, OH

A powerful storyline that gives a glimpse of another world.

a bargain hunter, a person who enjoys quality, Experienced Parent, A frequent snacker, read for fun, a library-goer, Every day computer user, practical

NOV

2007

The book tells the powerful story of two Afgani women who are forced to marry the same man, many years apart, due to tragic circumstances. The book traces the history and culture of Afganistan through such historical events as the Soviet invasion and September 11, 2001. The lives of the women are frought with challenges and insurmountable difficulties. Although many years apart in age, their marriage to the same vile man causes them to draw close to each other for strength and companionship. In the end, one gives the ultimate sacrifice for the survival and happiness of… read full review »

write a comment

jbean
Windom, MN

Very emotional

fiction reader

NOV

2007

This is just a great book. I liked it more than the Kite Runner, maybe because it was about women. This book really takes you outside of your comfort zone. To think of the horrors these women went through, and that it happened as recently as the 1990's, is just mind-blowing. The fact that they weren't even allowed to go out in public without a male or hold a job. This book really makes you realize that we are all pretty much the same, but the varous environments that we live in make us seem very different. A must read. —… read full review »

write a comment

princessbride12
Milwaukee, WI

Most touching book I have ever read!!

reading non-fiction, avid reader, reading Oprah's picks

FEB

2008

I took this book on a road trip and absolutely loved it. I could not put it down and felt the trip was too short. — This book gives you glimpse into the lives of women in other parts of the world. It gives a better appreciation for your own life's situation. There are other people in the world, especially women, who have very difficult lives starting with their childhood. This story really touched me. I recommend it to everyone. Loved it!! Planning on reading it again. I've recommended to all my girlfriends to read. —… read full review »

write a comment

RMVALLES
Duarte, CA

A must read, one of the best books I ever read.

avid reader

FEB

2008

I am always interested in learning more about other countries, and other cultures. I found this book an excellent read. I loved learning more about Afghanistan, but I also enjoyed the story. By the same author as "The Kite Runner", this book is instead from a woman's point of view. I was amazed by the characters and the bond between two women in the story, as well as the religious themes in this story. Get it, read it. Read it again someday. Its… read full review »

write a comment

lotusgeek
Exton, PA

extremly moving book

avid reader, read for fun

NOV

2007

This book brought me to tears... twice! It is a truly touching and heartbreaking story of life in Afghanistan, particularly the quality of life for women during the period. Although sad, it is a real page turner. Khaled Hosseini is a gifted writer and the gives the characters life. One is stunned at the devastating and brutal lifestyle that takes place in some parts of the world, and at the same time grateful and thankful not to be living… read full review »

write a comment

susieque
Miami, FL

Reviews of A Thousand Splendid Suns

1 2 3


Key Information	Authors Khaled Hosseini Fiction Subgenre • • • Narrator Khaled Hosseini
Book Editions	Book Editions Hardcover372May 22, 2007Riverhead Books9.5"(h) x 6"(w) x 1.5"(d), 1.35 lbs.9781594489501
Professional Reviews	Professional Reviews <b><i>Publishers Weekly</i>:</b> "[A] powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives...

A Thousand Splendid Suns Reviews

by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns Review Summary

A Thousand Splendid Suns Ratings and Reviews

Reviews of A Thousand Splendid Suns

Top Rated Fiction & Literature Books

Other Khaled Hosseini Reviews