here's how I see it: a review of A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think it deserves more of a 4.5.  This book was another tough subject matter, dealing with two women and their ravaged lives during wartime in Afghanistan.  Told from two female perspectives that eventually intersect, this was a sobering look at some really tough things women have to go through.  The worst part is that these things are happening right now, modern day, during my lifetime.  It made me very conscious of the freedoms I have as a woman, and so very thankful that I had the freedom to choose who I married, and I am treated as an equal with respect.  I had no idea just how much is demanded from these women.

The book itself was, in true Hosseini style, a beautiful and haunting tale.  It spans an entire lifetime against the backdrop of war ravaged Kabul, and depicts the lives of two women who end up married to the same man.  It is a story of  friendship born under the worst of circumstances, and I loved the moment when these two women finally open up to each other, becoming allies instead of enemies.  Both Miriam and Liala went through such awful things that it made it that much sweeter when they found their friendship.  I knew one of them would have to kill Rasheed but I thought it was going to be Liala.  I like it better the was it was written, allowing Miriam to give her life, turning it into a life of honor, a life that meant something, and allowing Liala to escape with Tariq.

The love story between Tariq and Liala as best friends in childhood then being separated all those years and finally reunited was beautiful.  A true love story.  I also loved how little Zalmai ends up having a sweet relationship with Tariq, and I adore Tariq for loving him unconditionally.  I loved the ending, where I mourned for Miriam, but also felt her strong spirit live on and through Liala in making the orphanage a better place.

I thought it was a beautifully written book, full of deep and complex characters who will live on in my mind for a long time.  Khaled Hosseini has a beautiful way of writing rich stories that weave themselves into your heart.  I can't wait for his new book.

dizzylittlechatgirl

here's how I see it: a review of Room

Room by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's really more of a 4.5 but I can't do that on here.  Brilliant in it's delivery of a very hard topic matter, Room is a beautiful read. I was amazed by Emma Donoghue's portrayal of Jack and his thoughts and feelings.  I have no idea how she came up with all of the nuances of a five year old to make him sound so authentic.  My heart breaks for his Ma, and all that she had to go through.  I zipped right through it because I couldn't wait to see what was goign to happen next.  Fabulous!

dizzylittlechatgirl

here's how I see it: a review of The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a heartbreakingly haunting tale that I will never forget.  The characters wrap their way around your heart and don't let up as you watch their lives unfold.  I love books that evoke emotion and this one tugged at my heart the whole way through.  I have no idea how I haven't read this one earlier and I am planning on reading A Thousand Splendid Suns right away.  Khaled Hosseini is brilliant in his delivery and beautiful with his prose.  I almost feel a let down after finishing the book because I want to keep going along with the characters on their life journey.  I recommend this book to anyone, as it delves into human emotion, consequences of living with our decisions, complex family dynamics, deep heartbreak and redemption- all things that make people better for having learned about them.  Everyone should read this book.


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dizzylittlechatgirl