A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (preloved)

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant novel set in Afghanistan, following the intertwined lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, across several decades. Mariam is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man, while Laila is a young girl from a progressive, loving family. Their lives collide when both are forced into a violent, abusive marriage to the same man, Rasheed, in war-torn Kabul.

Through their shared suffering, love, and sacrifices, Mariam and Laila form a deep bond of friendship and resilience. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and the strength of women in the face of oppression. It paints a powerful portrait of the struggles women face in Afghanistan, offering a moving and heartbreaking account of survival, hope, and redemption.