I finally read A Thousand Splendid Suns after having it on my TBR for a while and none of the reviews I’d seen prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster this book took me through. Nothing about this story felt predictable.

The way the war was described felt so real that at times, I almost felt like I was living through it myself. It also made me grateful that I’ve never had to experience war or its effects firsthand. Every character in this story is a survivor in their own way, regardless of how they eventually turned out.

I truly hope that somewhere in the world, young girls are no longer being forced to marry older men. It may be wishful thinking, but still...

I felt so deeply for Mariam and everything she had to endure. She deserved so much better than the ending she got, but I think that’s also what made her character resonate with me so much. To me, she was the true heroine of the story.

I’m glad Mariam and Laila eventually found friendship in each other and overcame the rivalry and resentment that came from being married to the same man.

Rasheed should have been killed much sooner. How they endured years of his abuse is beyond me, especially Mariam.

And finally, I’m so happy Laila and Tariq got their happy ending.

This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking book, and I would absolutely recommend it. Just make sure you have tissues nearby.