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Khaled Hosseini: A Thousand Splendid Suns

SevenWritez

SevenWritez

New Member
I'm on page 107, and so far, thank you God, this second novel is living up to what made The Kite Runner such a great story. To anyone who has not read The Kite Runner, do so (and if you picked it up and were bored by the beginning, then you are forgiven; but no more, go back, wade through the opening pages, and read it), for it is an exceptional novel. To anyone who has read The Kite Runner, go out and pick this book up, and to hell with whatever you're reading now. Recently I started Cloud Atlas and died from boredom, Heart-Shaped Box, and died from boredom, and then, a book with such praise, The Road, but died from annoyance of a doom and gloom writer with a horribly boring writing style and annoying way of telling a tale (yes, I'm pointing fingers right now, bare with me).

But now, Khaled Hosseini's second novel is finally here. Do yourself a favor, get the **** off your computer, and go pick it up.
 
Excellent book. I'd place it just a tiny notch below The Kite Runner, which isn't a bad thing at all.
 
I suppose it depends on what you prefer, though.

The Kite Runner really did have that 'umph!' at the ending, but the story's emotional pull really came from its melodramtic characters, some the obvious saint-like character (Hassan), and then others such as the diabolical antagonist (I forget his name, but you know who he is).

A Thousand Splendid Suns didn't have the ending Kite Runner did, but the pacing and--this is opinionated, of course--characters were much more enjoyable. Character wise, I saw good and bad sides to each, not just from the two protagonists themselves but from the characters surrounding them, which seemed like a big step up for the author in developing his writing after Kite Runner.

Anyhow, I finished this book Friday, and now that my blind fanboyism for it has washed past, I can be calm talking about it.

So, I'd say, to anyone considering reading it, it's tied with the Kite Runner in terms of quality and enjoyability, but depending on what sort of story you'd prefer more, (outer/inner conflict they both dish them out, but each takes a stronger side towards one than the other), The Kite Runner would probably be the place to start if you wanted a huge punch in the gut, A Thousand Splendid Suns if you want a slow depressional pull tugged on you towards the end.
 
I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one. But I think I'll wait till it's available in the library!
 
I was wondering if this was a book worth reading. I must confess that I did not like Kite Runner, although I think the problem is that I hate the main character. The book is well written and incredibly insightful, but when you hate a main character, it kind of ruins it. He was such a whiney little punk.
 
sugarz said:
I was wondering if this was a book worth reading. I must confess that I did not like Kite Runner, although I think the problem is that I hate the main character. The book is well written and incredibly insightful, but when you hate a main character, it kind of ruins it. He was such a whiney little punk.
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You'll enjoy this one then, maybe. Both protagonists are females (so hey, if you're a gal you may like the whole girl power! thing, too), and both go through harsher trials and tribulations than the main character from Kite Runner (he made it to America, after all).

The novel focuses on what happens to them outwardly and inwardly, showing their perseverance versus the "omg i suck at everything, lung hevy sigh grr sigh tear" thoughts which plagued the character of The Kite Runer.
 
ATSS was much better then the Kite Runner I believe. You can tell that Hosseini has evolved into a better writer with his second book. The Kite Runner was pretty good but some of the irony seemed a little corny to me like when his childhood Nemesis came back later in the book. I had a feeling that was coming and rolled my eyes when it did. Back to ATSS, I thought it was an outstanding book. I never thought I would like a book about two women from Afghanistan but it just goes to show with a talented writer he can make you interested in things you are not normally into. Cant wait for his third book.
 
I just finished this book last week! I thought it was amazing! One of the best books that I've read this past year. I haven't read The Kite Runner, but I don't know if it will live up to my expectations after reading this one.
 
ATSS is an amazing book, and I'd say far better than The Kite Runner.

It was really pleasing to see strong female main characters. Both Laila and Miriam pull attention to the kind of struggles and stigma's women face in Afghan society.
 
SevenWritez said:
I suppose it depends on what you prefer, though.

The Kite Runner really did have that 'umph!' at the ending, but the story's emotional pull really came from its melodramtic characters, some the obvious saint-like character (Hassan), and then others such as the diabolical antagonist (I forget his name, but you know who he is).

A Thousand Splendid Suns didn't have the ending Kite Runner did, but the pacing and--this is opinionated, of course--characters were much more enjoyable. Character wise, I saw good and bad sides to each, not just from the two protagonists themselves but from the characters surrounding them, which seemed like a big step up for the author in developing his writing after Kite Runner.

Anyhow, I finished this book Friday, and now that my blind fanboyism for it has washed past, I can be calm talking about it.

So, I'd say, to anyone considering reading it, it's tied with the Kite Runner in terms of quality and enjoyability, but depending on what sort of story you'd prefer more, (outer/inner conflict they both dish them out, but each takes a stronger side towards one than the other), The Kite Runner would probably be the place to start if you wanted a huge punch in the gut, A Thousand Splendid Suns if you want a slow depressional pull tugged on you towards the end.
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Currently reading this book. If the reality of the women in Afghanistan is anywhere close to what's in the book, then I really feel for them.
 
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