Book Club - A Thousand Splendid Suns

[ScrapMel]

A Thousand Splendid Suns (http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Splendid-Suns-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/1594489505/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5670173-8286201?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188999660&sr=1-1) by Khaled Hosseini

Leave your thoughts and impressions here in this thread. If you are going to refer to a scene in the book, please leave the page number in the title of your post in case someone hasn't gotten that far into the book yet! Try not to spoil it for others!

[ScrapMel]

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions on A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini reveal important details from the novel. Finish the book before reading on!



1. What did A Thousand Splendid Suns teach you about the history of Afghanistan? Did anything surprise you?

2. Mariam’s mother says: "Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have." In what ways is this true? How do Mariam and Laila endure? How is their endurance different from the ways their mothers faced their trials?

3. Several times Mariam passes herself off as Laila's mother. In what way is their relationship like mother-daughter? How did their own relationships with their mothers shape how they treated each other and their family?

4. What is the significance of Laila's childhood trip to see the giant stone Buddhas above the Bamiyan Valley? Why did her father take her on this trip? How did his influence shape the way Laila would cope with her future?

5. Afghanistan changes rulers several times in the story. During the Soviet occupation, the people felt life would be better once the foreigners were defeated. Why do you think the quality of life deteriorated after the occupation rather than returning to the way it was in the pre-communist era?
6. When the Taliban first enter the city, Laila does not believe women will tolerate being forced out of jobs and treated with such indignity. Why do the educated women of Kabul endure such treatment? Why are the Taliban accepted?

7. The Taliban forbid "writing books, watching films, and painting pictures;" yet the film Titanic becomes a sensation on the black market. Why would people risk the Taliban’s violence to watch the film? Why do you think this particular film became so popular? How does Hosseini use films throughout the novel to symbolize relationships between people and the state of the country (i.e. Jalil's theater, Tariq & Laila's outings to the movies)?

8. Were you surprised when Tariq returned? Had you suspected the depth of Rasheed's deceit?

9. Why does Mariam refuse to call witnesses at her trial? Why didn't she try to escape with Laila and Tariq? Do you think Mariam made the right decision? Even though her life was hard, Mariam wishes for more of it in the end. Why do you think that is?

10. Do you think Laila and Tariq can be happy?

11. Afghanistan is still in the news a lot. Do you think the situation will truly improve there?

12. Rate A Thousand Splendid Suns on a scale of 1 to 5.

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

Ok, I reserved my copy at the library yesterday. Will read it as soon as I get it. :)

[ScrapMel]

Reading Groups Guides (http://www.readinggroupguides.com/guides3/thousand_splendid_suns1.asp)

1. The phrase “a thousand splendid suns,” from the poem by Saib-e-Tabrizi, is quoted twice in the novel – once as Laila’s family prepares to leave Kabul, and again when she decides to return there from Pakistan. It is also echoed in one of the final lines: “Miriam is in Laila’s own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns.” Discuss the thematic significance of this phrase.

2. Mariam’s mother tells her: “Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have.” Discuss how this sentiment informs Mariam’s life and how it relates to the larger themes of the novel.

3. By the time Laila is rescued from the rubble of her home by Rasheed and Mariam, Mariam’s marriage has become a miserable existence of neglect and abuse. Yet when she realizes that Rasheed intends to marry Laila, she reacts with outrage. Given that Laila’s presence actually tempers Rasheed’s abuse, why is Mariam so hostile toward her?

4. Laila’s friendship with Mariam begins when she defends Mariam from a beating by Rasheed. Why does Laila take this action, despite the contempt Mariam has consistently shown her?

5. Growing up, Laila feels that her mother’s love is reserved for her two brothers. “People,” she decides, “shouldn’t be allowed to have new children if they’d already given away all their love to their old ones.” How does this sentiment inform Laila’s reaction to becoming pregnant with Rasheed’s child? What lessons from her childhood does Laila apply in raising her own children?

6. At several points in the story, Mariam and Laila pass themselves off as mother and daughter. What is the symbolic importance of this subterfuge? In what ways is Mariam’s and Laila’s relationship with each other informed by their relationships with their own mothers?

7. One of the Taliban judges at Mariam’s trial tells her, “God has made us different, you women and us men. Our brains are different. You are not able to think like we can. Western doctors and their science have proven this.” What is the irony in this statement? How is irony employed throughout the novel?

8. Laila’s father tells her, “You’re a very, very bright girl. Truly you are. You can be anything that you want.” Discuss Laila’s relationship with her father. What aspects of his character does she inherit? In what ways is she different?

9. Mariam refuses to see visitors while she is imprisoned, and she calls no witnesses at her trial. Why does she make these decisions?

10. The driver who takes Babi, Laila, and Tariq to the giant stone Buddhas above the Bamiyan Valley describes the crumbling fortress of Shahr-e-Zohak as “the story of our country, one invader after another… we’re like those walls up there. Battered, and nothing pretty to look at, but still standing.” Discuss the metaphorical import of this passage as it relates to Miriam and Laila. In what ways does their story reflect the larger story of Afghanistan’s troubled history?

11. Among other things, the Taliban forbid “writing books, watching films, and painting pictures.” Yet despite this edict, the film Titanic becomes a sensation on the black market. Why would people risk the Taliban’s violent reprisals for a taste of popcorn entertainment? What do the Taliban’s restrictions on such material say about the power of artistic expression and the threat it poses to repressive political regimes?

12. While the first three parts of the novel are written in the past tense, the final part is written in present tense. What do you think was the author’s intent in making this shift? How does it change the effect of this final section?

[Amy Eileen]

I need to finish Jane Eyre and then I will check into this one! :)

[ScrapMel]

How is everyone doing? Able to find the book okay? In the midst of reading it? What are your thoughts so far?

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I just got notification from the library that my copy is in. HOWEVER, I have no time to read from now til ??? We are having a bbq here on Sunday and have invited all of the church members to attend. The October mini class is also on my to-do list as is my October featured product. I'll check the book out and renew it on the same day so I can have it for a month! :)

[Sandersmr]

I haven't had time to go to the bookstore, which is a shame since I have time to read on the plane today.

[ScrapMel]

Okay, bumping this to the top - anyone else in the process of reading or has read this and wanna chat/share insights?

I do have a 'side' question for those who have also read The Kit Runner - how would you compare the two? Which did you find more disturbing?

[nancyr]

Well I finished the book in one afternoon. I told you I love to read and when a book grabs me I cant put it down.
Dont read futher if you have not read the book
Are we going to chat?


It was hard to read about the way women are treated even though I know it happens. But I hate that it is so tollerated and there is no where for these women to go for help. I would have been beaten so badly as I just cant deal with unequal treatment. I guess because of how I grew up I have little tollerance of men telling me how to believe. I could not stand not being able to chose who I would marry. I have had co-workers who had arranged marriages and I find it mind boggling. But it can work so who am I to say anything.

Nothing in the story surprised me in the manner the women were treated. It has been happening for centuries in all countries. But what always makes me glad I am a woman is the way we can help each other. I love the way Laila brought out the best in Miriam. I think it was always in Miriam but being beaten down first by her mom, then father and finally her husband it was buried. For Miriam to finally find that one person to stand up for her showed Mariam she was a person of worth. To me that is the lesson I learned.

I do not see Afghanistan changing for several generations. It takes time for new ideas to be shown that they dont really conflict with centuries of tradition or if they do conflict it is okay to change. My son was in Kabal as a Marine and brought home photos. The mountains and land were so beautiful covered with snow. But there was not much green. Alot of building was going on so maybe there will be change!

To me the major surprise of the novel was the return of Tariq. I was floored by the deceit of Rasheed. What a horrible position Laila was in when she discovered she was pregant. Here she is this young educated but no hope girl. She was so young but I hated that she felt she had to hide her condition. I wonder what would have happened if she had confided in Miriam her problem instead wanting to marry Rasheed. I think she would have had an ally earlier. Rasheed was a sick man.

I found it interesting how the events in the world has such little effect on their everyday lives. So many invaders came yet their lives stayed hard. They only knew what Rasheed told them. The fact that the underground was there shows me that freedom of choice is an integral part of ourselves. But now that I think about it while I know the world events and can see the suffering my daily life really is as insulated as theirs. My life as theirs revolves around getting up working and making the best life for my children.

Thanks for suggesting this book.

[ScrapMel]

Oh, Nancy - you so eloquently wrote your thoughts and feelings on this book!!!

SPOILERS:

Have you read the Kite Runner? I don't want to spoil it for you so I will wait with my comparisons on this book and it ....

But you are too right - I think if Laila had confided in Miriam before, she wouldn't have had to marry Rasheed. And Tariq, I had no clue or inkling that he was still alive. My heart stopped when I read that - literally - I gasped out loud. Oh to have loved someone that much, then they 'die' and come BACK! So unfair - though in the end not tragic.
Another thing in the book, I was so glad Miriam was killed swiftly (if you read the Kite Runner, you will know what I mean by that). More grace and dignity - she had suffered enough. I also don't think she could have dealt WITH freedom - but I may be looking for excuses for her death.
Personally, I think the whole phrase '1000 Splendid Suns' referred to Afghani women as a whole. In Kabul - going from essentially equal rights to nothing NOTHING. One thing I thought interesting, remember when Laila railed against how the Taliban was declaring no rights for women, and she stated that no educated woman would stand for it? Then how Miriam and Rasheed looked at her in surprise, because Laila herself was oppressed?? That scene really struck me, HARD.
Oh, I am glad you finished it and liked it!

Oh! One more thing: I thought the images of pebbles in the story was interesting (okay, I like symbolism) - how Miriam had pebbles named after her step-siblings, and then Rasheed used them to break her teeth. Terrible!

[nancyr]

Mel - thanks so much for the nice comments. It is such fun sharing the joy of reading. It felt like doing a book report LOL.

No I have not read kite runner but have seen the talk about the movie. I would like to read it too.

Do not read further if you have not read book.

I was thinking that the "suns" were the days they spent together, that no matter what they had each other and they were splendid. But I like your take on the title it could certainly be the whole female population.

I feel Miriam was allowed a swift death because she was saving her family. She had no visitors or witness because she wanted no one else to be associated with her crime. I believe this was her chance at freedom.

Yes that scene with Laila believing educated women would not stand for oppression stuck out to me too.

I too noticed the use of the pebbles. I also liked what the father left in the box for Miriam and again it is sick that Rasheed did not let her talk to her father.

[yhalos]

Well, I just started reading my copy this week . I'm liking it so far but will need to get a little further on before I make any comments. I am so tempted to read the "Spoilers" so I am avoiding coming in here...:D

[ScrapMel]

I am bumping this -
Who is reading/has read this? Just trying to keep up!

Melanie (done)
Nancy (done)
Sandi ...
Yolanda ...
Stacey (done)

[sandilyn]

I've got it, was just waiting for October! Will start it tonight! :)

[sandilyn]

Well, I just started reading my copy this week . I'm liking it so far but will need to get a little further on before I make any comments. I am so tempted to read the "Spoilers" so I am avoiding coming in here...:D
I've been avoiding the spoilers too Yolanda! :)

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

This book was so hard for me to read. I'm waaaaay too empathetic and sympathetic. Plus I have such wonderful parents and a husband who's never once hit me or abused me that I find such stories so heartbreaking. I've lived 39 years hearing "I love you" from so many people that I ache knowing that this could not be the case for so many women in Afghanistan and around the world.

For a while I did not like Mariam's mother. A mother who shoves her cynicism onto her little child is lacking skills in my world, but she didn't live in my world. I came to see that her motivation was to protect her daughter from dreaming so she wouldn't be disappointed.

I was happy the two women found nurturing roles for each other. My heart raced as they attempted to escape and I turned pages quickly when they were punished. Mariam's sacrifice reminded me of any mother's response to her child being in danger: protect the child at any cost, even death.

While there were other themes and relationships in the book, I was most drawn to Mariam and Laila for the ability to lean on each other and bear the miserable life with Rasheed, a man I'm sorry to say I would have thought about poisoning. Not a pretty thought, but I'm being honest.

I, too, was surprised at the return of Tariq. Normally I see things like that coming way before they do, but not this time. I can only imagine that Aziza was thrilled to discover she was not related by blood to Rasheed.

This was not a feel-good, easy read for me. The book ended with me thinking, "What do I do with this? How do I process these feelings of hopelessness?" The problem-solver in me is disturbed that there are no easy or hard solutions here. Of course I knew that this is the way things are, but that doesn't mean I wasn't impacted by reading a hard-hitting and raw work of fiction to give me a more detailed perspective.

In the end, I guess my heart is the most broken because the freedoms that I love and cherish are the same ones that extremists find revolting. If only they knew that with freedom comes the most incredible joy and that oppression only causes rebellion.

[ScrapMel]

I think I am enjoying reading you all's interpretation and feeling of the book as reading the book itself! Not that it is a book I 'enjoyed' - I know you all understand what I mean.

I have to say some things about his other book 'Kite Runner'. I read it first and there were times I would throw the book across the room. I intensely disliked the 'main' character - I wanted to kick him myself. I wouldn't read the book in the same room as my boys - I felt they might get contaminated. The Kite Runner's characters were boys and men. Enough said.
But after reading that, I don't know if I had gotten numb, but I didn't have the same strong reactions to 'Suns'. I have thought long and hard about it too - because how could it not have the same effect on me? Maybe it was because of reading 'Runner' first OR because I am more immune to abuse involving women. [I have a person close to me who was in abusive relationships. She did have the choice to leave, and finally (praise to God!!!) she did.] If that is true for me - that I am immune, how many other people out there are the same? I know when I heard of Afghani women and their treatment, I would think it was a shame and shake my head. And then not really think of it anymore. I hate admitting it to myself (and to you all!).
I even had the mindset like Stacey, just poison him. But in their world, they would have preceeded to starve to death, with no males in the house. When they tried to leave Rasheed, the whole of SOCIETY was against them - at least in America, there are shelters!
Maybe I had such strong reactions to 'Runner' due to me having two little boys. I don't know, but I have found another book dealing with Afghani women - well, an American in Afghanistan. I can't recall the name of it, but I will find it and post it for those interested in furthering our education on Afghani women.

[ScrapMel]

Oh, I forgot, in the first two posts, there are book club questions, if anyone wants to look over them - might spark more discussions.

[yhalos]

AACk , why do I keep coming back here...I'm not finished....:( :(
It's too tempting..I must stay away til I'm done..I'm hating this guy as we speak...:mad:

[yhalos]

Hey , where are all the bookworms. Have we all given up on this idea ?:confused:

[ScrapMel]

Hi! I just got back from Cancun (yes, a week in paradise!)

I don't know what happened to the interest - oh, well. guess it fizzled somewhat! Though anything you want to post about your thoughts, feel free and i will answer/comment. This was a great book!

[sandilyn]

I started reading my copy, but life has intervened and I have had to put it aside for awhile- I hope things settle down this week and I can read more soon. :)

Hope you had a great time in Cancun Mel!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I read the book! I loved/hated it! I recently read "The Other Boelyn Girl" and think it would be an interesting juxtaposition from "1000 Splendid Suns." Melanie, do you have our next book picked out? If not, I nominate "The Other Boelyn Girl."

[ScrapMel]

Ack! I am reading the Other Boelyn Girl right now! Picked it up in the airport on my way home. I am loving it so far - very good read.
So I am all for it being our next book (can anyone tell I am a fly by my pants kind of person?)