finding strength in friendship
kelly | 30 September 2007 - 10:02am
been reading: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Despite how I felt about The Kite Runner, I wasn't going to read this one. I'm not sure why, really, other than that what I knew of the story didn't really interest me, and there were many other books I wanted to read before committing to a novel somewhat similar to one I'd already read. But, this book was chosen by a book club that I was going to attend, and since it is certainly a worthwhile choice, I decided to read it after all.
It was just okay. Well, that's maybe not fair. Hosseini is incredibly talented and there is nothing wrong with this novel. But, in my opinion, it does not compare to The Kite Runner. The story is not as compelling, and I never came to care for the characters like I did Amir and Hassan. Terrible things happen, but I wasn't affected in the same way. I think Splendid Suns is skillfully done, and a valuable piece of literature, but one that will live in the shadow of its elder sibling. This novel just did not squeeze my heart like The Kite Runner did. It is not as beautiful or painful, and so not as breathtakingly powerful.
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this review is exactly why i have been scared to read this book. something just told me i needed to give myself a couple of years to get kite runner out of my head before i read another novel by the same author. thanks for validating my gut instinct.
(If my comment that just disappeared randomly comes back, sorry for duplicating.)
I have heard that exact same review from two other people who have read both. So, I'll pass on this one. There are too many other books that I want to read. (And thanks, you've never steered me wrong with your book reviews. You should seriously try for a job as a book reviewer. For the NY Times or something.)
you nailed it. that's exactly what I felt. I thought perhaps my reaction was because it was more of a female relationship and I relate heavily to the male one. that being said, I loved "The Color Purple" so I know that wasn't it either. I enjoyed the book, I though it was well written, I thought that the voice was true to the gender, everything about it was skillful as you said.
It lacked something the entire time, and yet I was enjoying the read at the same time. Reading the "Kite Runner" I was compelled, tortured and galvanized by my feelings. I wept so many times, none more than at the end. I didn't feel the sense of emotional victory at the end.