A Thousand Splendid Suns

By: Khaled Hosseini

Narrated by: Atossa Leoni

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once an incredible chronicle of 30 years of Afghanistan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love.

Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss, and by fate. As they endure the ever-escalating dangers around them, in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love, or even the memory of love, that is often the key to survival.

A stunning accomplishment, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a haunting, heartbreaking, compelling story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love.

©2007 TKR Publications, LLC. All rights reserved (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Another searing epic....[Hosseini's] tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters." (Publishers Weekly)
"Unimaginably tragic, Hosseini's magnificent second novel is a sad and beautiful testament to both Afghani suffering and strength. Readers who lost themselves in The Kite Runner will not want to miss this unforgettable follow up." (Booklist)

An absolutely incredible story

So happy my girlfriend made me read this book. It gives a perspective that is very much needed

Marvelous, passionate,beautifully written and read.

We loved this book. Couldn't stop listening. The reader was excellent. the story unique, dramatic, informative.

Awesome read

This is truly classic literature representing an amazingly creative and visual story. The writing puts a human face on the Afghanistan people, culture, and tradition. The narrator, Atossa Leoni does a superlative job drawing the listener into the story.

Great book, strong story, will get more books from this author.

I purchased this book after I fat fingered the wrong selection, but with open mind decided to give it a try. Boy am I happy I did.
Not been born in the US allows me to picture the scenes as if I was there.
Thanks.

A splendid book.

Beautifully written and narrated. I couldn't turn it off. A lesson in the futility of war but hope for a better tomorrow. Highly recommend.

Not to be Missed

The high quality of the writing is matched by the expressiveness and perfectly rendered narration. A more intimate and revealing view of life than in his first book, Hosseini delivers character studies that are believable, poignant and authentic. I knew the end of the book was inevitable, but I dreaded it---I wanted it to go on and on and on. My highest recommendations for both the novel and the narration.

so great

Would you listen to A Thousand Splendid Suns again? Why?

maybe

What other book might you compare A Thousand Splendid Suns to and why?

I have not read a simular story

Have you listened to any of Atossa Leoni’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

not sure

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it was very moving

Any additional comments?

it is a great read

Cultural and historical importance-

Would you consider the audio edition of A Thousand Splendid Suns to be better than the print version?

The narration was impeccable, the story poignant. I read this book and as the story unfolded, I found myself moved and thankful for my own life and liberties. I also gained a respect and better understanding of the people, history and countries represented in the book. This book is a must read for older adolescents to adults.

Something special

This book will haunt you. While you aren't listening you will be thinking about the characters. When you are listening you will be greedy with each minute and hate when the book ends. It is just a special book, that blooms inside you as the characters come alive. Different from Hossein's first book, told through the eyes of women. I may just have to listen to it again.

Makes You Thankful

This is a lovely yet tragic story....so sad to realize that this sorrow still continues in our world today. The story will make you truly grateful for what you have. I would recommend this book.