This book broke my heart. Whenever I thought I'd reached a respite, some glimmer of hope for freedom, it broke my heart again, right up to the end. This book is very challenging to get through at points, though the writing is beautiful and the characters are easy to love, mourn, and root for (and also to hate and despise for some).

I learned a lot about the different cultures and people in Afghanistan; how diverse the people there are, how many different languages are spoken throughout the region, and how free the women used to be. I did not expect some of the people to be described as having green eyes and blonde hair. I did not know that it wasn't always oppressive for women there, that there was a time when women were free to go to university, think and act for themselves, and wear what they wanted- until they weren't.

Fans of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" will likely enjoy this book due to similar themes, if "enjoy" is even the right word for either book. However, "The Handmaid's Tale" is a fictional story about a fictional scenario (though after the 2024 election it feels far too real). "A Thousand Splendid Suns", though also a fictional novel with fictional characters, describes events and conditions that real women went through and are still going through in many places today. It is sad, it is frightening, and it is closer to home than most US Americans realize. 

I love that the author also included information at the back of the book for ways to donate and help refugees. When someone decries injustice and oppression, I love to see a call to action included.

5/5 stars for me. Take care of your emotions while reading. Bring tissues.
Fuck you, patriarchy. 
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.