*A Thousand Splendid Suns
15 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, June 14, 2007
Khaledhosseini.com:
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to the post-Taliban rebuilding—that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives—the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness—are inextricable from the history playing out around them.
Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to the post-Taliban rebuilding—that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives—the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness—are inextricable from the history playing out around them.
Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment.
Journal Entry 2 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Wednesday, June 20, 2007
This is a paperback edition!
Intl bookray
Guidelines:
PM me to join
You must be willing to mail internationally to join (surface/economy mail more than fine)
Make a JE when you receive the book
Read it within a month
Make a JE saying what you thought of the book
PM the next person on the list for their address
Send the book along!
Questions? Please PM me!
Participants:
Klaradyn, South Africa
Bearyfriend, Singapore
resQgeek, USA
ealasaidmae,USA
msjoanna, USA
Quinsmomma, USA
newf, Canada
lauraloo29, Canada
LindyLouMac, Italy
Dutchbooky, The Netherlands
Annet74, The Netherlands
Ruzena, Finland
Kihli, Greece
Bookmaniac70, Bulgaria
iliotropio, Belgium
birmingham-rose, UK
Intl bookray
Guidelines:
PM me to join
You must be willing to mail internationally to join (surface/economy mail more than fine)
Make a JE when you receive the book
Read it within a month
Make a JE saying what you thought of the book
PM the next person on the list for their address
Send the book along!
Questions? Please PM me!
Participants:
Klaradyn, South Africa
Bearyfriend, Singapore
resQgeek, USA
ealasaidmae,USA
msjoanna, USA
Quinsmomma, USA
newf, Canada
lauraloo29, Canada
LindyLouMac, Italy
Dutchbooky, The Netherlands
Annet74, The Netherlands
Ruzena, Finland
Kihli, Greece
Bookmaniac70, Bulgaria
iliotropio, Belgium
birmingham-rose, UK
This arrived today. Thanks for sharing it, sobergirl. Will journal again when I've read it.
I loved this book - particularly the portrayal of how historical events and the lives of individuals are intertwined. Keep some tissues handy for the ending. Hosseini manages to write in a poignant manner, without being overly sentimental. Now I look forward to reading his first book, The Kite Runner.
The book was sent on to Bearyfriend in Singapore today. In the package, I've included an article on the book that appeared in a local newspaper recently. Unfortunately the book was just a tad too heavy to qualify for a cheaper postage rate. So I had to use surface mail - should take about 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. Sorry about that!
The book was sent on to Bearyfriend in Singapore today. In the package, I've included an article on the book that appeared in a local newspaper recently. Unfortunately the book was just a tad too heavy to qualify for a cheaper postage rate. So I had to use surface mail - should take about 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. Sorry about that!
Received the book with thanks. This is fast, not having to wait 4 weeks. I'll try to finish within a month.
Will try to finish by next week...sorry for the long wait, just started 2 days ago. There are some similarities between this book and the first, like a rich businessman, affair with a maid, and child born of wedlock not being recognised etc... Only this book is about women whereas The Kite Runner, men. The book also touches on the country''s heritage, culture and politics. It''s hard to imagine life in the country being a woman. Will journal again when I''m done. Thanks for the patience =D
Finished - Just like The Kite Runner once started couldn't put it down. The ending is quite sad, esp the letter the father wrote to her. Regret, Redemption and Realisation all come too late, as Mariam didn't live to see all these, as she had sacrificed herself so that Laila could live. Laila's friendship and her children had brought much joy to Mariam's long miserable life.
Book travelling to the next reader, ResQgeek, via airmail.
Book travelling to the next reader, ResQgeek, via airmail.
Wow! That was sure one s...l...o...w airplane! I was beginning to wonder if the book had gotten lost in a black hole in the international mail handling. (And I wasn't alone. I got a PM from bearyfriend just this morning worrying about the book.)
In any case, it has arrived (finally) safe and sound. I only have about thirty pages left on my current book, and then I'll start this so we can keep it moving. I'm looking forward to reading this...
In any case, it has arrived (finally) safe and sound. I only have about thirty pages left on my current book, and then I'll start this so we can keep it moving. I'm looking forward to reading this...
This book tells two stories. One is the story of a friendship between two women, forced by their circumstances into marriage with an older, mean-spirited man. Though at first they view each other as adversaries, they grow to be close friends, providing each other with support and comfort from the ravages of their abusive husband. This story is very human, and illustrates the power people have to endure hardships in their lives.
The other story is the story of Afghanistan, from the Soviet invasion, to the victory of the Mujaheddin, to the tribal warfare and the ultimate rise of the Taliban. We witness the horrors of the indicriminate killing during the tribal warfare, and the insanity of the Taliban's ultra-conservative interpretations of Islamic law. Here we have, perhaps, the clearest description of the chaos that has been Afghanistan's recent past.
The two stories, together make for a potent mixture, one that leaves plenty of food for thought.
I'll be mailing this to the next reader tomorrow.
The other story is the story of Afghanistan, from the Soviet invasion, to the victory of the Mujaheddin, to the tribal warfare and the ultimate rise of the Taliban. We witness the horrors of the indicriminate killing during the tribal warfare, and the insanity of the Taliban's ultra-conservative interpretations of Islamic law. Here we have, perhaps, the clearest description of the chaos that has been Afghanistan's recent past.
The two stories, together make for a potent mixture, one that leaves plenty of food for thought.
I'll be mailing this to the next reader tomorrow.
It's here! This is #2 on Mt. TBR, with one ring in front of it...
Once I started I went right through this book. I wanted to finish quickly because it made me so sad and angry. I'm on a ring for "The Kite Runner" and I'm interested now to see what Hosseini will say there.
Mailed to msjoanna today, delivery conf# 0307 1790 0001 7252 5922
This has arrived in NYC. I'm about 2/3 finished with the book I'm reading, so will probably start this one this weekend.
Though the story was extremely emotional, it worked for me. I ended up finding the characters realistic and the circumstances, while difficult, seemed plausible given the difficult political times. Like many books that exist on a grand scale but want to delve deeply into individual characters, it seemed that the author took the shortcut of having all of his storylines happen to the same people. While this sort of continual abuse of characters can sometimes feel manipulative, I found it compelling in this novel.
I'm just waiting for an address to send it to the next reader.
I'm just waiting for an address to send it to the next reader.
Came in the mail today...
Oh my...I couldn't believe how much I got into this book. I actually stayed awake nights thinking about the characters and I cried quite a few times. It was wonderful. I will be passing it along to the next person. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.
Journal Entry 17 by newf from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Arrived in the mail yesterday. I look forward to reading it.
Journal Entry 18 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, February 1, 2008
This arrived safe and sound. I have 2 rings before it, but I will keep it moving. Thank you!
Journal Entry 20 by newf from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Wow, I wasn't expecting this book to travel so quickly - across the country in one day - so fast that lauraloo has received it even before I journaled it!
I would like to add to the praise; this is a very good novel. I'm not sure if enlightening is the proper word, but it certainly brings to life an area of the world that I can only wonder about. I found it hard to read, maddening at times, incredibly emotional. But I am glad that I read it - it is one of those stories that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing it.
I would like to add to the praise; this is a very good novel. I'm not sure if enlightening is the proper word, but it certainly brings to life an area of the world that I can only wonder about. I found it hard to read, maddening at times, incredibly emotional. But I am glad that I read it - it is one of those stories that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing it.
This was a moving book. I have less time to read now, but when I did I found myself unable to put this book down. Stunning.
Thank you for sharing! It will be travelling to Italy next week.
Thank you for sharing! It will be travelling to Italy next week.
Everyone concerned with this bookray will be relieved to know that this arrived with me yesterday having been in the mail from Canada since April 8th! The packet was completely ripped open on one side but at least it is here now and amazingly undamaged. The good news is that I did not have to pay a delivery tax, so must find out if this has been scrapped or the postman was feeling badly that the packet was in such a mess. The bad news is that I was unable to stop this book coming to me. It was already on its long journey to Italy when I recieved a copy for my birthday in early May. I will contact the next reader and get it back in the mail as quickly as possible. As it has passed through my hands I will post my review here as well as for my own copy when I get it read, hopefully soon.
Update 22/06/08 Lesezeichen and Pell have both asked to be skipped, now waiting to hear from next person.
25/06/08 kizmiaz now has a copy so will try the next person!
Update 22/06/08 Lesezeichen and Pell have both asked to be skipped, now waiting to hear from next person.
25/06/08 kizmiaz now has a copy so will try the next person!
Journal Entry 23 by LindyLouMac at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Sunday, June 29, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (6/30/2008 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
At last moving on again, unfortunately it took me awhile to make contact with someone who actually still wanted to read this copy. Travelling to dutchbooky in the Netherlands next.
At last moving on again, unfortunately it took me awhile to make contact with someone who actually still wanted to read this copy. Travelling to dutchbooky in the Netherlands next.
Arrived here today. I have a couple of bookrings ahead of this one, but also a holiday coming up. I don't think I'll be able to send it on in a month's time, I'll be back around the 10th of August. Hope this is not too big a problem, Sobergirl? Thanks for sharing it with us.
Journal Entry 25 by dutchbooky from Amsterdam, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Saturday, August 9, 2008
Like many other readers, I found this a powerful story. It makes me realize once again that I am lucky to live in a country in which women can make their own choices. What moved me most is the way that Mariam and Laila find a way to live together, supportive and lovingly. And what sacrifice Mariam makes!! I wonder what Hosseini's next book will be like.
Will PM Annet74 for her address and send it on a.s.a.p.
Will PM Annet74 for her address and send it on a.s.a.p.
Journal Entry 26 by dutchbooky at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/19/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
After some PM troubles, I finally have the address for annet74. Enjoy the book!
After some PM troubles, I finally have the address for annet74. Enjoy the book!
Journal Entry 27 by Annet74 from not specified, not specified not specified on Saturday, September 13, 2008
Received this in the mail from Dutchbooky! Thanks! Will read it as soon as possible.
Journal Entry 28 by Annet74 from not specified, not specified not specified on Monday, January 5, 2009
Sorry for the delay. It's in the mail now!
The book arrived today, opened and repacked by Netherlands Post. Only their JE lacking...
The Kite Runner already proved that Khaled Hosseini is a good story-teller. Really, in this second book of his, he needs just the first 5 chapters (out of 51) to tell already one whole story; and many others follow. I see that many readers find the book compelling. In addition, it is a good primer for a reader who does not know very much about the near history of Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, there were no themes nor viewpoints new to me, as I expected (the book is written 2007). Furthermore - and worse still - the literary style was least ambitious. The text was simple and the characters were stereotypes. I was a little disappointed.
Maybe "right book, wrong reader". So, to take the opportunity here I would, in addition, recommend The Sleeping Buddha (nonfiction by a female journalist; the bookring is hosted by me so please join!), The Swallows of Kabul (a most skilfully written novel), and Afghanistan, Where God Only Comes to Weep (an emotionally touching novel with facts & fiction).
Anyway, thanks for sharing, Sobergirl! I wanted to read this book in any case, due to the recollection of the Kite Runner. Now the book is heading for Greece.
-ruzena
Unfortunately, there were no themes nor viewpoints new to me, as I expected (the book is written 2007). Furthermore - and worse still - the literary style was least ambitious. The text was simple and the characters were stereotypes. I was a little disappointed.
Maybe "right book, wrong reader". So, to take the opportunity here I would, in addition, recommend The Sleeping Buddha (nonfiction by a female journalist; the bookring is hosted by me so please join!), The Swallows of Kabul (a most skilfully written novel), and Afghanistan, Where God Only Comes to Weep (an emotionally touching novel with facts & fiction).
Anyway, thanks for sharing, Sobergirl! I wanted to read this book in any case, due to the recollection of the Kite Runner. Now the book is heading for Greece.
-ruzena
Journal Entry 31 by kihli from Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece on Saturday, February 21, 2009
arrived yesterday,thank you!
Journal Entry 32 by kihli from Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece on Sunday, March 8, 2009
I finished the book some days ago and I forgot to write,sorry
I absolutely loved it. I mean,I like Hosseini anyway,The Kite Runner was a wonderful book. But this one,makes a difference. It is about women,helpless women in a regime of pain. Devastating. And yet,there is hope.
I'm no good in reviews,I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to read this book :) I'm gonna send the book as soon as I have an address.
thanks again!
I absolutely loved it. I mean,I like Hosseini anyway,The Kite Runner was a wonderful book. But this one,makes a difference. It is about women,helpless women in a regime of pain. Devastating. And yet,there is hope.
I'm no good in reviews,I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to read this book :) I'm gonna send the book as soon as I have an address.
thanks again!
Journal Entry 33 by kihli at Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece on Sunday, March 21, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (3/22/2010 UTC) at Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
going to iliotropio since the next person on the list had already read the book.
I'm really sorry for the delay.
going to iliotropio since the next person on the list had already read the book.
I'm really sorry for the delay.
Journal Entry 34 by iliotropio from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The book arrived safely. Many thanks kihli for sending it :0)
