Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
Although A Thousand Splendid Suns spends time outside of Kabul, the novel is a big love letter to the birthplace of author Khaled Hosseini. After all, the title of the novel is taken from a poem de...
What's Up With the Title?
The title is based on a line from the poem "Kabul" by Iranian poet Saib Tabrizi, as translated by Josephine Davis. The poem is recited by Babi when Laila's family is preparing to leave Kabul. Origi...
What's Up With the Ending?
The ending to A Thousand Splendid Suns is a beautiful ode to Laila and Mariam's relationship, which is the foundation that the novel is built on. It emphasizes how Mariam and Laila became family an...
Tough-o-Meter
There are plenty of people and places to keep track of, but the language is simple enough that it's never hard to follow. If you're sensitive to violence, you should also be aware that the book con...