A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini) — Itohowo Ekerete
Polygamy, adultery, emotional blackmail, suicide, rejection, child marriage, rape, infidelity with pornography, psychological abuse, domestic violence, sticking to the old and not accepting the new as regards women's participation in society, murders, sharia law, orphan and death, manipulation and strong will, friendship and acceptance, grandchildren, sacrifice, a new era.
All the listed above are wars the characters in the tale of the ups and downs of Afghanistan as reflected in their lives.
It's a story that begins with a mother scorned because she became pregnant as a 'side chick', hence no marriage for and the responsibility of a child. She shelters her child with a lot of psychological manipulations, killing her dreams with words and threats. Her father kills her trust and open heart by rejecting, denying and finally sending her off under the guise of marriage.
Marriage is another bad yet good thing. The abuse continues, children that we're formed but we're not birthed, a beating manipulative and unappreciative husband.
The second wife, an orphan with a child for her lover becomes an ally, and she sacrifices the life she dreamed of to get her out of the circle she has endured due to the changes in the country and the murder of their husband.
The reality of these two women is different based on their upbringing. The men in their lives should have different perspectives which influence how they treat these women.
Children are caught in the crossfire, becoming orphans because her stepfather was outsmarted by her mother, hunger. The boy idolises his father and never really finds closure for his sudden disappearance.
The persons caught in the crossfire, Liala's parents and friends, Mariam's father and siblings, the country's heritage and so much death because of laws adopted by leaders changing via war.
This book has a thousand splendid suns. The good times for Mariam and Liala, her friends, the bonding and friendship of both women, the actualization of dreams, marriage for love not the obligation, coming home to a new era, and the kindness of a man who continues in what he believed in not minding dying if caught.
Wars are never good. Its consequence on those involved may never be completely gotten over. Having an open mind to pick up the pieces in your life and look out for the good will help you move on and make the best of the life presented.
Thank you Khaled Hosseini for allowing me to live through the realities of the wars in Afghanistan. It is a book every youth should read.
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