A Thousand Splendid Suns
~ Khaled Hosseini

Let me start by observing how incredibly difficult it must surely be for a writer to produce not one but two great stories/novels, and that too back-to-back.  An almost un-achievable feat in my opinion.  But Hosseini seems to have achieved it.  A really beautifully written story, and especially poignant for me as it focuses on two women as the central character of the story that spans two generations at a time and in a country that has seen, and probably continues to see the kind of turmoil, instability and turmoil that borders on unimaginable for people like us.  Indeed, reading about Afghanistan makes me send a prayer of utmost thanks that I was born in India, that although belongs to the third world, and has many drawbacks - is still peaceful to live in, and is not beyond hope as yet.

So, here is the thing, though.  Although extremely well written (Hosseini so does have a flair for keeping his narrative smoothly flowing, with a certain quality for getting the reader completely absorbed in the tale), and poignant, and factually representative of the historic and political situation in Afghanistan - plight of poor people, women, etc - you still end up (probably unfairly so) comparing this book to The Kite Runner.  Which was the better book, by an indisputable margin, for sure.  That book was way more moving, powerful and like a breath of fresh air.  In many ways, Thousand Splendid Suns was a little predictable in the general direction it went.  Kite Runner held me captive from the moment I turned the first page.  I remember wanting to cry on so many occasions (I probably did) as I read the book.  Of course there were a few "filmi" elements towards the end (somehow writers seem to have this compelling need to necessarily tie the so-called loose ends in the story line with bizarre outcomes to the narrative).  But those can be overlooked by the brilliance of the overall tale.  And the sleekness with which Hosseini waves his tale.

Anyway, all in all, enjoyed Hosseini.  For a second time in a row.