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A Thousand Splendid Suns Study Guide

by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns is Khaled Hosseini's second novel. Like his first novel, The Kite Runner, it is set in Afghanistan. A Thousand Splendid Suns study guide contains a biography of Khaled Hosseini, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Mariam, a young girl, lives in a small shack with her mother, Nana, outside of the city of Herat in Afghanistan. Nana had worked as a housemaid for the wealthy cinema owner Jalil, Mariam's father, but after she became pregnant, Jalil cast her out to the shack. Jalil has multiple legitimate wives and children, but Mariam is an illegitimate "harami" or bastard. Jalil visits Mariam once a week, telling stories and bringing gifts. She adores him. Mariam's other friend, Mullah Faizullah, teaches her the Koran and listens to her problems.

Eventually, Mariam askes Jalil to take her to the cinema to see the new cartoon of Pinocchio. Jalil agrees to do so, but he does not come at the expected time. Mariam ventures into Herat herself. She sleeps…

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A Thousand Splendid Suns Essays and Related Content

 

Posted By jorja e #225711 at Jan 19, 2012 6:44 PM

why does Housseini include Shanzai's character

this chapter is in the beginning of part 2 in the book

A Thousand Splendid Suns | Answers: 1

 

Posted By karen c #225327 at Jan 17, 2012 8:48 PM

Why does Mariam surrender to the Taliban?

Are there passages in the book that provide any insight into this decision

A Thousand Splendid Suns | Answers: 1

 

Posted By yudi g #224221 at Jan 11, 2012 8:37 AM

What does "harami" mean ?

What does harami means ? And what does dil mean ?

A Thousand Splendid Suns | Answers: 1