A Thousand Splendid Suns

By: Khaled Hosseini

Narrated by: Atossa Leoni

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once an incredible chronicle of 30 years of Afghanistan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love.

Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss, and by fate. As they endure the ever-escalating dangers around them, in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love, or even the memory of love, that is often the key to survival.

A stunning accomplishment, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a haunting, heartbreaking, compelling story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love.

©2007 TKR Publications, LLC. All rights reserved (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Another searing epic....[Hosseini's] tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters." (Publishers Weekly)
"Unimaginably tragic, Hosseini's magnificent second novel is a sad and beautiful testament to both Afghani suffering and strength. Readers who lost themselves in The Kite Runner will not want to miss this unforgettable follow up." (Booklist)

One of My Favorite

This story is heart-wrenching but also strangely up-lifting. That people living in such cruel circumstances can find strength, love, joy and forgiveness within themselves is a lesson to all of us. I know this story is fictional but I find myself worrying about the future for the characters, given current developments in Afghanistan. Beautifully written and engagingly narrated. One of my all-time favorite Audible books.

will always be my favorite book

so amazing. the story was told perfectly. not overdone but nor incredibly monotone. I finished this in a day. I've already read this book but I loved listening to it. amazing, insightful, eye opening and heartbreaking. please read!

A great story, but check version you get

What made the experience of listening to A Thousand Splendid Suns the most enjoyable?

The story itself, the language that is beautiful but straightforward enough for listening even for only occasional listeners like myself

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Thousand Splendid Suns?

So many dramatic moments right from the beginning. Without giving away later parts, surely Mariam's relationship with her father is pretty heart-wrenching.

What about Atossa Leoni’s performance did you like?

Clear, easy to listen to, pleasant voice fitting the story.

Who was the most memorable character of A Thousand Splendid Suns and why?

Mariam, I guess obviously, but other characters too. Unfortunately her husband seemed realistic. (In the news right now, marriage of an 8-year-old to 40-year-old in Yemen and reportedly the girl dies from bleeding...still being checked by authorities.)

Any additional comments?

Be sure to get the version you want, abridged or unabridged. I thought I had bought the unabridged version and only learned at the end that it was the abridged. My fault, and Audible handled it well, but now that I've already listened to the abridged, not sure I'll go back to listen again. (I had already read the whole book a few years ago.)

Excellent narration

I was hooked from the first chapter! The narration is beautifully done. The story in intense and eye opening.

touching and amazing

I loved it and it was amazing with a touching story and an amazing plot.

Couldn't stop talking about this book

Loved it! Well written and perfectly narrated. I cried and laughed. The story of these women through political corruption and war.

Beautifully written, but flat narrating

The author has the wonderful ability to say just enough about some things that you know what is implied, and at the same time describe certain things with delicate detail.
Also, the mentions of Afghani culture, language, foods, and customs is so beautifully interwoven into the story line. His descriptions of the joys, the hardships, the positives, and the negatives are captivating.
My only negative criticism of the audio book is the narrator, who I don't think did any of the characters justice. The book has many emotionally charged moments that were all read with the same flat tone.

True bliss and credit worthy

Where does A Thousand Splendid Suns rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listen to audiobooks in every genre: Which means I does not rank them. Numbering them would be like numbering family. Let me say this: It made me gasp. I felt proud of being a woman. This is a tribute to ladies and to the craft of writing.

I have not heard "The kite runner" because the narrator must be good enough. The Audible sample of "The kite runner" made me sad, since I depend on audiobooks in order to digest books.

After "The end of your life book club", a book I have been listening to time after time. For some reason I decided to buy this and without being aware I bought the abridged version. For some strange reason I was happy I made this "mistake", because I could hear it in one sitting. The time did not exist while I was listening to this. It was like being in these brave ladies heart.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Thousand Splendid Suns?

When two childhood friends met again as adults.

What about Atossa Leoni’s performance did you like?

Clear and while she brought nothing to it she read the story in a way which made it crisp clear.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All the horrible beatings.

A heart wrenching yet beautiful story!

I loved it. It was one of those stories where I just HAD to finish it. The story is beautifully narrated and shares the lives of a war torn country and its history. of pain. love lost, but found again. I caught myself almost crying at the end and now I am grieving the end of this book. I'm not sure how I came to find this story, but I am so glad I got to experience it. Highly recommend!

Really Good

If you could sum up A Thousand Splendid Suns in three words, what would they be?

Afghanistan, turmoil and women

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Thousand Splendid Suns?

One of best books I have ever read. It is all memorable a book that makes you think and stays with you for a long time.

What does Atossa Leoni bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Atossa enunciation of the afghan language and she is excellent narrator makes you feel like you are there with the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment the women became friends and that friendship and understanding touched me with every sacrifice they made.