Hubby and I have a new bedtime companion in the form of an Afghan man - Khaled Hosseini. We are both enraptured and bewitched by his 2 books. Hubby is now enthralled with The Kite Runner, while I had just completed A Thousand Splendid Suns, a magnificant tale of the plight of women in Afghanistan, a novel of strong wills, powerful emotions and courageous resilience. It made me weep 3 times, the highest number of times a book can make me cry other than my singular sniffling while reading Angela's Ashes.
It made me count my blessings as a woman born in Singapore. It made me proud that I am a woman, a gender genetically infused with paramount resilience, stalwart tenacity, tender grace and boundless love. It made me gaze at my daughters with fierce devotion, silently thanking whoever that determined their destinies so that they are born into this society and not into any societies that belittle the powerful influence of women. For without women, without our warm wombs and gentle nurturing, there can never be men in this world. Yet, in many countries, women are not given the respect that we so deserve.
Hosseini writes with searing intelligence using words that are resonant with intense emotions, rich with texture. It is almost as if we are standing right in the scenes of action, staring at everything in live-action brilliance. His words, enveloped and wrapped in vivacity, made my mind stagger with overwhelming amazement. A must-read for everyone, women or men!
3 comments:
Hey, I weeped more than 3 times when I read Kite Runner. I was very much haunted and couldn't sleep for a week after I was done with the book. I kept thinking of Hassan's ordeal and the way that he forgave his good friend regardless.
I love The Kite Runner too! One of my favourites.
I shall try to find the time to read A Thousand Splendid Suns.
viv: If you cry more than 3 times for Kite Runner, I think you will need a box of tissue beside you constantly when you read Thousand Splendid Suns! Hee hee...
ym: Yes, Thousand Splendid Suns definitely a must-read because the 2 protagonists are women!
Post a Comment