Anna’s Reviews > A Thousand Splendid Suns > Status Update

Now that Mariam and Laila have a much more deep and loving relationship, the story has turned to more describe what was actually happening in Afghanistan at the time, and less about the character development. I like how the author almost perfectly balances these two variables in the book. Also, the introduction of Aziza further bonds the two wives, for they both love Aziza as much as Rasheed hates her.

It is interesting how even though Mariam's and Laila's stories started out independent, they have now melded into one. Mariam's hostility to Laila as Rasheed second wife is unexpected, but understandable. When you live for so long in such a unlivable atmosphere, you get to a point where you don't want things to really change. With Laila introduced into Mariam's life, Mariam is unsure how to function in the new system

This book makes the passage of time go so quickly! It is cool to read that way though, because we can see Mariam have to grow up pre-maturely and realize things that she had not previously thought about before she got married. Her relationship with Rasheed is interesting, because at first she did not seem to understand that he was actually being abusive, until he became physically abusive.

I really like the characters introduced so far in the story. You can really feel how Mariam resists her current position in life, and how she would like nothing more but to go live with her father. What is so cool about the writing is that you also get a feel of the other characters' ideas and thoughts, even though you do not necessarily get a direct narration of what is going on in their heads.