Amazon.ca It's difficult to imagine a harder first act to follow than The Kite Runner: a debut novel by an unknown writer about a country many readers knew little about that has gone on to have over four million copies in print worldwide. But when preview copies of Khaled Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, started circulating at Amazon, readers reacted with a unanimous enthusiasm that few of us could remember seeing before. As special as The Kite Runner was, those readers said, A Thousand Splendid Suns is more so, bringing Hosseini's compassionate storytelling and his sense of personal and national tragedy to a tale of two women that is weighted equally with despair and grave hope.
We wanted to spread the word on the book as soon, and as widely, as we could. See below for an exclusive pre-publication excerpt from A Thousand Splendid Suns and early reviews of the book from some of our top customer reviewers. --The Editors
An Exclusive Excerpt from A Thousand Splendid Suns
We have arranged with the publisher to make an exclusive excerpt of A Thousand Splendid Suns available on Amazon.ca. Click here to read a scene from the novel. It's not the opening scene, but rather one from a crucial moment later in the book when Mariam, one of the novel's two main characters, steps into a new role.
I want more from this author!October 20, 2008 D. Nowlin Ive read Kite Runner before this and finished this book in 2 days. You just get so into the characters and feel for them: hate, disbelief, happiness, sadness, relief, because it all seems so well written, like it could be a true story. Also, through the story of two women you see what life in Afghanistan can be like, a hell for people who have seen so much death in war, which is sad because it once used to be a peaceful and beautiful place where people felt fairly safe. This story makes me feel lucky that I live in a place where Ive never had to go through anything like this! The story is indeed bittersweet, and there are many surprises which make you keep turning the pages. I love the writing style, just as I did in the Kite Runner and I can't wait until Khaled Hosseini comes out with a new novel!
Beautiful...September 23, 2008 WP(Vancouver, BC, Ca) A beautufully written book. I particularly enjoy how it was two stories that eventually blended into one. The horror that these women endured truly hit a nerve with me. Many sad moments, but many joyful ones that put a smile on my face. I still enjoyed The Kite Runner more, but this is definitely another fantastic book for the author. A must read.
I was blown away!July 14, 2008 kebmo After reading the kite runner, I didn't think the author could meet the same standards. Maybe it's because I didn't expect much , but I loved this book. I think this might be the quickest I have ever read a book!
Great story telling. I highly recommend.
HeartbreakJune 5, 2008 Christina Mckerrow(Kingston, ON Canada) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book broke my heart. How do these women manage to live their lives? Hosseini's book gave me a better sense of the historical turmoil that the country has endured, and what seems to be insurmountable difficulties faced in trying to bring about change. How little I have to complain about in my comfortable western world life. Kingston Grandmother
VERY VERY GOOD!May 17, 2008 Lisa Reader(Montreal, Quebec Canada) This is one you do not want to miss. It is a well written, gripping story about the suffering and loss of an afghan girl/woman. It is really beautiful. This easily ranks among the best books I have ever read. Hosseini is a splendid writer!
