Sparks Like Stars

A Novel

De: Nadia Hashimi

Narrado por: Mozhan Marno

“Suspenseful…emotionally compelling. I found myself eagerly following in a way I hadn’t remembered for a long time, impatient for the next twist and turn of the story."—NPR

An Afghan American woman returns to Kabul to learn the truth about her family and the tragedy that destroyed their lives in this brilliant and compelling novel from the bestselling author of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, The House Without Windows, and When the Moon Is Low.

Kabul, 1978: The daughter of a prominent family, Sitara Zamani lives a privileged life in Afghanistan’s thriving cosmopolitan capital. The 1970s are a time of remarkable promise under the leadership of people like Sardar Daoud, Afghanistan’s progressive president, and Sitara’s beloved father, his right-hand man. But the ten-year-old Sitara’s world is shattered when communists stage a coup, assassinating the president and Sitara’s entire family. Only she survives.

Smuggled out of the palace by a guard named Shair, Sitara finds her way to the home of a female American diplomat, who adopts her and raises her in America. In her new country, Sitara takes on a new name—Aryana Shepherd—and throws herself into her studies, eventually becoming a renowned surgeon. A survivor, Aryana has refused to look back, choosing instead to bury the trauma and devastating loss she endured.

New York, 2008: Thirty years after that fatal night in Kabul, Aryana’s world is rocked again when an elderly patient appears in her examination room—a man she never expected to see again. It is Shair, the soldier who saved her, yet may have murdered her entire family. Seeing him awakens Aryana’s fury and desire for answers—and, perhaps, revenge. Realizing that she cannot go on without finding the truth, Aryana embarks on a quest that takes her back to Kabul—a battleground between the corrupt government and the fundamentalist Taliban—and through shadowy memories of the world she loved and lost.

Bold, illuminating, heartbreaking, yet hopeful, Sparks Like Stars is a story of home—of America and Afghanistan, tragedy and survival, reinvention and remembrance, told in Nadia Hashimi’s singular voice.

©2021 Nadia Hashimi (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Wow

AmazIng, beautifully written. I’m so glad I found this amazing author. Her words and the story take you to another place.

Wonderful, heartbreaking, hopeful

Wonderful, heartbreaking, hopeful! Loved the gorgeous writing and storytelling. Takes a tragic moment and builds suspense. So interesting to learn about history and “see” the beauty of Afghanistan.

Wrapped Up in a Bow?

The story was good. Some elements of the plot were a little far-fetched but then it's a novel. Narrator was good.

Beautifully written.

An incredible account of Afgan history both ancient and recent. It is told by a young Afgan woman coming to terms with her grief.

Incredible read

This is a compelling story and the narrator is phenomenal. I felt as if I were there throughout the entire book.

excellent novel and great narration

loved the story. it is an interesting story because I don't know much about the Middle East. I only recently started reading and listening to fiction based in that region and it has been very moving and interesting

Historical Overview and Excellent Story

I had absolutely no idea of Afghanistan history prior to 1978. I learned SO much from this book. It's a well written book, and intertwined with a historical background.
Don't miss it. Personally, I depend on ratings to stear me toward worthwhile genre. You will learn about Afghanistan, care for the "main protagonist", and the people featured in the story.
Thumbs up. It's a well written book, with a top notch narrator.

Very informative

This is the second book I have listened to regarding the happening of/in Afghanistan. I have better understanding and empathy for what is going on in the Country and for folks who have fled the place.

2nd time read

2nd time listening to this book and it was just as good as the 1st time!

Masterpiece about healing from loss.

Beautiful written story about loss and its impact on survivors. Ariana’s journey is so relatable for anyone struggling with loss and grief. As an Afghan-American who returned to Kabul 20 years ago, this story touch so many emotions in me.