Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns

I couldn't wait to read this second book by Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner.

Whereas The Kite Runner focuses on the lives of two boys growing up in Afghanistan, this book looks at what life is like for girls and women. We start by getting to know Mariam as a young girl, and watch her face one challenge after another that dictates what her life will be like. We are then introduced to Laila, who as a young girl is filled with optimism and hope for the life she envisions ahead of her. You wonder if Laila will have the same fate as Mariam, and how and if their two lives will intersect.

I liked this book, but it's pretty depressing. It's really difficult to read how these women are mistreated and beaten. Although this book is a novel, I think it accurately portrays the culture and the atrocities going on in Afghanistan. Like I said, it's pretty depressing...

This book also very much has the feel of a Hollywood movie...I wonder if there is already a movie deal?