A Thousand Splendid Suns Synthesis Piece

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns and the poem which it was named for, Kabul, both reflect on how despite the horrors that can be inflicted on something, that person or city can find the strength to persevere, regardless. In the poem, the city of Kabul is described as “enthralling to the eye” and although its been under constant attack, and surrounded by countries in despair, it is infallibly exquisite and strong. This idea of strength in the face of desolation is something the characters of Khaled Hosseini’s novel can relate to. The main characters Laila and Mariam suffer incredible amounts of abuse and cruelty from their husband Rasheed, but, like the city of Kabul, they are resilient. Even at the end of the novel, when their home has been ruined, their lives interrupted by wars and destruction, Laila and Mariam return to Kabul to rebuild their lives. The “thousand splendid suns that hide behind [Kabul’s] walls” could be associated with the strength of spirit shining within both these women.