A Thousand Splendid Suns

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does Hosseini’s portrayal of Kabul evolve throughout the novel, and how did this influence your understanding of Afghan history and the impact of war on everyday life? 
• What aspects of A Thousand Splendid Suns did you find most surprising, and how did these elements influence your perception of the story’s themes of resilience and sacrifice? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• As you read about Mariam and Laila’s respective relationships with their parents, did you relate to their desire for connection or validation from a parent figure? How did these relationships resonate with your own experiences? 
• Mariam’s friendship with Laila gave her a sense of purpose and companionship. Can you think of a relationship in your life that had a similar impact, helping you feel more valued and understood? 
• Reflect on the resilience displayed by Mariam and Laila in facing oppression and abuse. Has there been a time when you found inner strength in a difficult situation? How did you overcome it? 
• The harsh treatment of women under the Taliban is a major theme. How did reading about these struggles impact your perspective on women’s rights and gender equality? Did it make you think differently about the challenges women face around the world? 
• Mariam’s and Laila’s sacrifices for each other and their children are central to the story. Can you think of an instance where someone sacrificed something significant for you or when you sacrificed for someone else? How did that experience shape you? 
• The novel explores how political changes impact daily life. How has political or social change affected your own life or the lives of people close to you? Did reading about Afghanistan’s history alter how you think about global politics? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the novel portray the impact of changing political regimes on Afghan society, especially in terms of personal freedoms and women’s rights? What can this tell us about how political shifts affect daily life in conflict zones? 
• The novel examines the societal stigma attached to illegitimacy through Mariam’s experiences. How might Mariam’s status as a harami influence her sense of self-worth, given Afghan cultural values surrounding family and honor? Are there similar societal pressures or stigmas in other cultures?
• Khaled Hosseini’s portrayal of Kabul shows it as a city caught between modernity and traditionalism. How does the contrast between Kabul’s more progressive elements and its conservative values impact the characters—particularly the women? Do you see similar (if less extreme) tensions playing out elsewhere in the world? 

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Hosseini’s portrayal of domestic violence highlight the limits of justice for women under both family and political oppression?
• In what ways does Hosseini present the burqa as a multifaceted symbol? How do Mariam’s and Laila’s attitudes toward the burqa differ, and what does this reveal about their emotional states and views on identity? 
• What role does shame play in the lives of Mariam and Laila? How do societal expectations of women impact the choices they make and their perception of self-worth? 
• Analyze the relationship between Mariam and Laila. How does Hosseini develop their bond, and in what ways does their friendship serve as a means of survival amid Rasheed’s abuse and societal restrictions? 
• What is the significance of Mariam’s sacrifice? How does her decision relate to the themes of female solidarity and resistance, and how does it shape the novel’s message about resilience? 
• Discuss the use of foreshadowing in the novel, particularly in relation to Mariam’s early experiences with betrayal and disappointment. How does this technique enrich the reader’s understanding of her tragic arc and ultimate transformation? 

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Write a journal entry from Laila’s perspective after her first visit to Mariam’s old kolba in Herat. What emotions and reflections might she have about Mariam’s life? 
• Design a visual timeline of the political shifts in Afghanistan as depicted in the novel, including key moments in Mariam and Laila’s lives. How do these historical events intersect with their personal milestones? 

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.