Finishing A Thousand Splendid Suns is a most evocative experience. Whereas, of course, Hosseini’s writing and dedication to educating the reader in the extent of misogyny in Afghanistan is highly successful and highly well done – the impact is devastating.

Suns is no Kite Runner. No one seeks redemption. No one sees the LIght. The ancient battle between Light and Dark is microcosmed in Mariam’s utter despair in discovering her father’s lack of strength and her mother’s manipulative lack of commitment to life. Despite the hope she maintains, her life and death remains one of brutal beatings of body and soul with the rapid recycling of the bi-polarization of hope. I am reminded of Nietzche’s statement: “Hope is the greatest evil of mankind.”

Yes, she has the salve of children love that gives deep meaning to her life and ultimate death. Yet i am left with Nietzche’s statement.

The life of Laila is also experienced in Suns. love abounds in Laila’s life from her father and her dearest friend Tariq with an occasional nod from her mother. The bombing of Kabul reverses the happiness of the first 15 years of her life. Love goes underground until the births of her children. The children keep mariam and Laila alive despite Rasheed, their horrific and sociopathic husband. Rasheed is the embodiment of evil, fully sanctioned by his interpretation of his god.

There is another love story – sweet and Disney-like with an happily-ever-after. Perhaps…

I think there should be a warning in the book: explicit domestic abuse: those with a propensity to PTSD be aware – given that Hosseini is highly skilled in the novelist’s dictum: show don’t tell.

Yes, well-written. Yes, domestic abuse at a height. Yes, religious abuse via misogyny to its fullest. Yes, love does grow amidst all odds. NO, not enough to balance Nietzche’s words of the devastation of hope.

Yes, I do recommend Infidel. I wrote a Point of Contact review for Modern Reformation’s Nov/Dec issue, so can’t say too much now, but it’s a very compelling memoir that is well written. On a spiritual level, it’s very challenging. If you’ve heard Diane Langberg speak on the abuse of women around the world, Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s story will confirm much of what she says — and break your heart.

Thanks for stopping by, Framed. I’ll check out your review. Hope you enjoy Kite Runner as much as I did!

There were some turns of phrases that seemed awkward and reminded me I was reading a book, unlike The Kite Runner. I thought he did a good job of telling essentially a woman’s tale.

I’m almost done with Infidel, which sheds even more light on the plight of women in the Muslim world. After reading it, I will go back and reread Newsweek’s special report on “Islam in America” from July 30. My guess is I’m going to have a totally different take on the issues after reading the book.