FTC disclaimer: I was not sent this product. I am not affiliated with the companies mentioned. All opinions are my own.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Plot Introduction Written By Me:
Mariam has lived all 15 years of her life alone with her mother, Nana, in the countryside. Then she is sentenced to marry a man she's never met.
20 years later, Laila is also fifteen. Having always lived in Kabul, Laila's academic aspirations seem unstoppable (as encouraged by her father). However, the violence sweeping across Afghanistan will not leave her out.
Thrust together in an unexpected twist of fate, Laila and Mariam must learn to survive the explosions that unfold inside and outside of their household.
Review:
Hosseini appears more confident in his second novel, writing with a fluidity and ease absent from 'The Kite Runner'.
Elements of this story felt reminiscent of Georgian era gender roles (present in Austen's classics), which was intriguing -how can a country be so far behind? War, obviously, is the answer.
All the characters were superbly developed and flawed, and the inevitability of the plot was devastating to read; as was the powerlessness so keenly felt by each woman in the story. Luckily, things lifted towards the end (for those who can't bear a tragic ending).
The writing was empathetic and less wordy than its predecessor, which I appreciated.
This novel was especially poignant to read at a time where the Taliban have taken total control over Afghanistan, and women's rights are again under threat.
Review Written On 18/08/2021
Some Of My Favourite Quotations:
"'Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam.'"
"She was envious, suddenly, of the neighborhood women and their wealth of children. Some had seven or eight and didn't understand how fortunate they were, how blessed that their children had flourished in their wombs, lived to squirm in their arms and take the milk from their breasts. Children that they had not bled away with soapy water and the bodily filth of strangers down some bathhouse drain."
"'You try this again and I will find you. I swear on the Prophet's name that I will find you. And, when I do, there isn't a court in this godforsaken country that will hold me accountable for what I will do. To Mariam first, then her, and you last. I'll make you watch. You understand me? I'll make you watch."
Book Discovery: My mother recommended it to me after I mentioned that I'd enjoyed 'The Kite Runner'.
Author Link: https://khaledhosseini.com/
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