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Original poster

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

40 replies

MooseLooseAboutTheHoose · 12/07/2025 02:24

I read a lot of books, and I’m not sure any other book has elicited the same level of emotion in me. Sadness, fear, desperation, the occasional glimpse of hope and happiness, complete and utter grief and heartbreak.

I’ve read this book across 2 evenings, and have just come in from the garden at 2.15am unable to tear myself away and needing to finish it.

I’d love to discuss with anyone who has read it, and implore anyone who hasn’t, to buy a copy and walk a while in the shoes of our Afghani sisters. This was truly eye opening, heartbreaking and an incredible, small tribute to the resilience and courage of women.

I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t read it, but I’d love to discuss it here and we can add a spoiler warning if needed.

OP posts:
jamanbutter · 12/07/2025 07:56

I read this a few years ago. Beautifully written and I was hooked from start to finish, I read it all in one day.

CuriousKangaroo · 12/07/2025 07:54

I loved the Kite Runner but it made me feel so sad that I haven’t risked A Thousand Splendid Suns. He’s an amazing writer and I am not sure I can cope with another of his heart rending books.

Marylou62 · 12/07/2025 07:52

MooseLooseAboutTheHoose · 12/07/2025 07:50

Kite Runner is another of the authors books yes? Is this as beautifully written as well? Should I pick it up?

Show quote history

Absolutely...

Marylou62 · 12/07/2025 07:52

I agree...
If I'm ever trying to explain to someone about the ending I can never quote without crying my eyes out..
One of the best books I've ever read...ever.

Original poster
MooseLooseAboutTheHoose · 12/07/2025 07:50

Yellowbirdcage · 12/07/2025 05:54

Loved it. Even more than Kite Runner. Yes it’s a must read and I bought a copy for both my daughters.

Kite Runner is another of the authors books yes? Is this as beautifully written as well? Should I pick it up?

OP posts:
Original poster
MooseLooseAboutTheHoose · 12/07/2025 07:48

When I finished the book this morning, I literally just sat bawling my eyes out. The suffering that women go through in Afghanistan is almost beyond my comprehension. Making things worse is that the book finishes on a relatively positive note, with the overthrowing of the Taliban, there’s a glimmer of hope and humanity but knowing they are back in power now, and things are probably worse for our poor Afghani sisters is just utterly heartbreaking. Ive woken up crying again this morning. Never before have I shed tears like this over a book, it’s just devastating.

OP posts:
Original poster
MooseLooseAboutTheHoose · 12/07/2025 07:43

purpleme12 · 12/07/2025 03:46

It is absolutely a great book

But I found it such a harrowing read.
I remember towards the end making myself stay up late into the night to finish it till the end cos I couldn't cope with how harrowing it was so I just wanted to finish it.

I think this was half the reason that I had to finish it this morning, so harrowing I had to be done with it.

OP posts:
pilates · 12/07/2025 06:55

I completely agree. It was the best book I’ve ever read. I lent it to my mum and she felt the same.

Yellowbirdcage · 12/07/2025 05:54

Loved it. Even more than Kite Runner. Yes it’s a must read and I bought a copy for both my daughters.

FoxtrotOscarFoxtrotOscar · 12/07/2025 05:49

Loved it. Brilliant writing.

peanutForever · 12/07/2025 05:34

read this book years ago, still stands out to me at how emotional it made me

AsIsaidearlier · 12/07/2025 05:33

It’s a few years since I’ve read this book but I still remember how good it was.
Its one I would always recommend to people to read.

purpleme12 · 12/07/2025 03:46

It is absolutely a great book

But I found it such a harrowing read.
I remember towards the end making myself stay up late into the night to finish it till the end cos I couldn't cope with how harrowing it was so I just wanted to finish it.

WaitingforToto · 12/07/2025 02:49

The most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It must be at least 12 years since I read it and I think about it all the time. I saw the play of the story last month too, I am keen to read it again soon.

pixiedust79 · 12/07/2025 02:40

I’m not always great at sticking with books but this one had me absolutely hooked. Completely gut wrenching story, both hard to read and impossible to put down.