Journal Week 1 -14 of the story A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

By: Ralph Sydney C. Pagaduan

Chapter 1 to 2
Jalil Khan is the name of Mariam's father, he is a wealthy businessman who has three wives.
Mariam's mother named Nana, isn't married to Jalil. When Mariam is five, Nana calls her a
harami (which means bastard) for breaking a piece of her tea set. This is when Mariam
discovers she is an illegitimate child. Nana was a housekeeper in one of Jalil's mansions when
she became pregnant. Jalil quietly arranged for Nana and the baby's new house. Nana once
informed Mariam that she wishes her own father had killed both Nana and her unborn child.
When Jalil and two of his kids constructed Nana and the baby a modest shack called a kolba.
Jalil chose to take on the burden alone rather than employ help. Mariam has been told two very
different stories about the day she was born in 1959. Nana claims she gave birth to Mariam in
their kolba while alone, and that Jalil waited a month before visiting his new child. Jalil alleges
he arranged for Nana to give birth in a hospital and chose Mariam's name. Mariam likes her
father, who comes to see her once a week for a few hours, and she believes Jalil's version of
events.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a novel written by Khaled Hosseini. In chapters 4 to 8 of the
book, several important lessons are learned, and significant events occur in the lives of the
main characters, Mariam and Laila.

Mariam is still living with her controlling and abusive husband, named Rasheed in Chapter 4.
She discovers the harsh truth of her marriage as well as the constraints of her status as a
woman in Afghan society. Mariam's experiences illustrate themes of power relations, gender
inequality, and patriarchal traditions' oppressive nature. The lesson here is that women like
Mariam are frequently imprisoned in violent relationships as a result of societal expectations
and a lack of agency. Laila, a young girl from Kabul, is introduced in Chapter 5. Laila's family is
more progressive, and her parents support her studies. However, the continuous conflict in
Afghanistan, with the advent of the Taliban, upsets their life. Laila learns about the fragility of
peace and the unexpected, terrible shifts that might occur in a war-torn society. The lesson
here is that even individuals in relatively better circumstances can be thrown into chaos and
bloodshed by external factors beyond their control. Mariam's life takes a darker turn in this
chapter when she miscarries, further separating her from Rasheed. She feels isolated and
despondent, which is aggravated by her inability to bear a child for Rasheed. This chapter
emphasizes Mariam's marriage's emotional and physical toll, as well as the obligation placed on
women to fulfill traditional gender roles. The lesson here is that societal pressures and abusive
relationships can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being. When Laila's best
friend and hidden love, Tariq, leaves Kabul with his family, their lives collide. When Laila realizes
she is pregnant with Tariq's child, she feels he has abandoned her. This chapter delves into
issues such as love, treachery, and the sacrifices made for one's family. The lesson here is that
love may bring both joy and grief, and that sometimes difficult decisions must be taken in order
to protect people we love. Mariam and Rasheed's relationship continues to worsen in this
chapter, with Rasheed becoming increasingly abusive and dominating. Mariam longs for
independence and strikes up a friendship with Laila, who has moved into a neighboring house.
The chapter highlights Mariam's spirit's tenacity and her rising longing for a better life. It also
foreshadows the prospect of Mariam and Laila developing a supportive friendship. The lesson
here is that there is always hope and the possibility of meaningful connections with others,
even in the most dire of circumstances.

As I continue reading in Chapter 10. I felt a growing sense of unease as I read about Mariam's
life with Rasheed. Her marriage has turned into a nightmare, with Rasheed's abusive behavior
becoming increasingly evident. It's heartbreaking to witness Mariam's struggle in her new role
as a wife, unable to escape her isolated existence. In chapter 11, there is further highlights of
the oppressive patriarchal society in which Mariam lives. Her inability to leave her home
without Rasheed's permission is a stark reminder of the limited agency women had in that era. I
can't help but empathize with Mariam's loneliness and isolation. A shift in perspective
introduces us to Laila, a vibrant and hopeful young girl. Her family life and friendship with Tariq
provide a stark contrast to Mariam's experiences. I felt a glimmer of optimism reading about
Laila's love and the warmth of her family. The escalating war in Afghanistan casts a shadow
over Laila's life. The uncertainty and fear gripping Kabul are palpable as her family's safety
becomes increasingly fragile. The stark realities of war are hauntingly portrayed. Mariam's
struggles with infertility add another layer of complexity to her marriage with Rasheed. The
tension and violence in their relationship escalate, making me fear for her safety. It's difficult to
read about the abuse she endures. Laila's world is shattered by a devastating bombing that
takes the lives of her family members. Her suffering and trauma are heart-wrenching. The fact
that she's taken in by Mariam and Rasheed introduces a fascinating twist in their intertwined
destinies. Laila's recovery and the bond she forms with Mariam provide a glimmer of hope amid
the darkness of their circumstances. The revelation about Laila's pregnancy with Tariq's child is
a turning point that leaves me eager to learn how their story will unfold.
As I continue to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns," I'm struck by the stark contrast between
Mariam and Laila's lives and the oppressive societal norms they navigate. Their resilience and
the bond they're forming give me hope that they will find strength in each other as their
journeys continue to intersect.

Chapter 19: In this chapter, we see the continued deterioration of Mariam's relationship with
Rasheed. Rasheed becomes increasingly abusive, and Mariam begins to realize the severity of
her situation. Laila also starts to suspect that Rasheed is hiding something. The tension in the
household grows. Lesson: The power of friendship and solidarity can provide comfort and
support even in the darkest of times.
Chapter 20: In this chapter, Laila discovers that she is pregnant with Rasheed's child. This
discovery complicates her situation even further as she knows Rasheed's abusive tendencies
and his preference for a son. Laila is fearful of how he will react. Lesson: The consequences of
war are far-reaching and affect every aspect of society, including the education of children.
Chapter 21: Laila decides to share her pregnancy news with Mariam, and the two women bond
over their shared experiences of living under Rasheed's oppressive rule. They find strength in
each other and begin to form a deep friendship. This chapter highlights the resilience of the two
women in the face of adversity. Lesson: The cycle of abuse can be difficult to break, but it is
possible through love and support.
Chapter 22: Rasheed's abusive behavior escalates in this chapter. He becomes increasingly
paranoid about Laila and Mariam's relationship, which further isolates the women. Mariam and
Laila's bond continues to grow stronger as they support each other through these difficult
times. Lesson: Sacrifice for the well-being of loved ones is a powerful expression of love.
Chapter 23: Tensions come to a head in this chapter when Rasheed discovers Laila's pregnancy.
He is furious and physically assaults her. Mariam intervenes to protect Laila, using a shovel to
strike Rasheed in self-defense. This marks a significant turning point in the story as the women's
actions have severe consequences. Lesson: The resilience of the human spirit can overcome
even the most challenging circumstances.
Chapter 24: Rasheed is injured from Mariam's attack, and Laila and Mariam decide to flee from
his wrath. They go on the run and find refuge with a kind-hearted man named Fariba. This
chapter explores themes of female friendship, survival, and the consequences of violence.
Lesson: Forgiveness can be a path to healing and redemption.
Chapter 25: In this chapter, Laila and Mariam live in hiding, fearing Rasheed's retaliation. Laila
gives birth to a daughter, and their bond deepens as they navigate the challenges of
motherhood and life as fugitives. They reflect on their pasts and begin to plan for a future that
offers hope and freedom. Lesson: Sacrifice and selflessness can bring about moments of
redemption and hope.

These chapters mark a turning point in the story because they tie together the main themes
and character arcs in a dramatic and stirring conclusion. The sacrifices and sufferings of the
characters are a moving depiction of the struggles Afghan women endured during a difficult
time in their nation's history.

Chapter 26:
Laila and Mariam try to flee Rasheed's harsh home in this chapter, but Rasheed captures them.
Mariam accepts responsibility for the escape strategy to safeguard Laila, which earns her
Rasheed's fury. Tariq's child is growing inside of Laila.

Chapter 27:
Rasheed severely physically and emotionally abuses Laila and Mariam, being especially nasty to
Mariam. Laila is concerned for Mariam's welfare as well as the security of her pregnant child.
The chapter highlights the two women's resiliency and closeness in the face of hardship.

Chapter 28:
Rasheed grows increasingly violent as his doubts about Laila's child's paternity grow. Aziza is
the name of the daughter that Laila gives birth to. This chapter revolves around Mariam's
generosity and defense of Laila and the child.

Chapter 29:
Laila makes the decision to make a last-ditch effort to flee with Aziza and Mariam. They
experience a miracle reunion with Tariq, who had thought Laila was dead. As they plot their
escape, the reunion is tense and emotional.

Chapter 30:
The terrifying escape plot is described in detail in this chapter, and it is made effective by
Mariam's selfless sacrifice. To allow Laila, Tariq, and the kids to flee, she diverts Rasheed.
Mariam's narrative has a tragic ending since the Taliban kill her, yet her ultimate sacrifice was
an act of love and atonement.

Chapter 31: In this chapter, Mariam and Laila are living together in the same house, and their
initially strained relationship begins to transform. Mariam starts to appreciate Laila's kind and
forgiving nature. They become like sisters, and Mariam is now determined to protect and
support Laila and her children.
Chapter 32: This chapter delves into the theme of motherhood. Laila, who has lost her own
parents, is deeply attached to her two children, Aziza and Zalmai. Mariam, who was deprived of
the opportunity to become a mother, realizes the depth of Laila's love for her children and
helps care for them.
Lesson: These chapters show the resilience, power, and potential for redemption in female
relationships. Readers discover the tenacity of the human spirit, the value of forgiveness, and
the sacrifices people are willing to make for the ones they love via Mariam and Laila's story. It
emphasizes the enduring connection between women, despite extreme adversity and personal
development.
In the end, the book emphasizes how important empathy, comprehension, and the ability to
transform and be unselfish in the face of adversity are. It serves as a monument to the human
spirit's resilience and the capacity for hope and recovery even under the most difficult
circumstances.

Chapter 33: Despite their early disagreements, Laila and Mariam have grown close friends. Both
women's lives are impacted by the brutality of Taliban rule. Finding her long-lost boyfriend
Tariq still alive presents difficulties for Laila in their attempt to revive their relationship.
The story goes into detail on the Taliban regime's atrocities in Chapter 34.

In this period of time, Mariam and Laila are two examples of the many Afghan women who
suffer from emotional and physical abuse. As they help one another through these challenges,
the two women's bond grows stronger.

Chapter 35: In order to get Aziza, Laila's daughter, medical attention, Laila and Mariam set out
on a risky voyage. Their perilous situation underscores the extreme measures taken by women
to endure in a country devastated by conflict.

Chapter 36: Tariq's child conceived by Laila. The couple must deal with the difficulties of raising
a family in such harsh conditions while living under the harsh rule of the Taliban, so the news is
both exciting and worrying.
Chapter 37: To keep Laila and her family safe, Mariam makes a decision that will change her
life. The deep love and support that have grown between the two women is shown in this deed.
The novel's female protagonists' sacrifices highlight Afghan women's fortitude and bravery in
the face of hardship.

Chapter 38: The narrative delves into the fallout from Mariam's offering and how it affected
Laila. The story considers how violence is cyclical and the resilience of the women who
experience it.

Chapter 39: Laila, Tariq, and their family's attempt to flee Afghanistan marks the novel's
conclusion. The difficulties they encounter are a metaphor for the Afghan people's greater fight
for security and safety in a nation devastated by conflict.

Section 40:
In this chapter, Mariam and Laila develop a close relationship while overcoming the difficulties
of their shared life in Kabul. Together, they overcome hardship and form a strong sisterly bond.
Women and those around them are affected by the war's growing effects.

Section 41:
The narrative explores the intricacies of familial bonds and the impact of political unrest on
individual lives. When Laila becomes pregnant with Tariq's child, it becomes clear how difficult
it is to raise a family during a war. The harsh realities of their situation and loss are issues that
the characters struggle with.

Section 42:
As outside pressures increase, Laila and Mariam's friendship is put to the test. The story
examines themes of survival, sacrifice, and the extent people will go to in order to keep the
people they love safe. Their experiences have left a noticeable emotional scar, demonstrating
the human spirit's tenacity.

Section 43:
The story highlights the effects of decisions made earlier on. Mariam and Laila must make
tough choices that will determine their futures. The book keeps illuminating the harsh
circumstances that Afghani women endure as well as the inner strength that these women
discover.

Section 44:
The effects of the Soviet invasion and the Taliban's subsequent rise on the lives of the
characters become increasingly apparent as the story goes on. The story looks at issues of
control, power, and how political decisions affect common people's lives.

Section 45:
The novel explores themes of grief, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit as
its characters experience devastating losses. A realistic portrayal of the war's effects on Afghan
society's foundation is given.

Section 46:
The story reveals how Mariam and Laila's lives are interconnected by tying together their
individual stories. The characters face their pasts and make an effort to find forgiveness in a
world that frequently seems unforgiving. The novel keeps examining themes of love,
selflessness, and finding purpose in the face of hardship.

Section 47:
When Mariam and Laila face the harsh reality of their situation, the story reaches a turning
point. In a society torn apart by conflict, the story delves into themes of justice, retribution, and
the cyclical nature of violence. The choices they made cause the characters to struggle.

Section 48:
The journeys of the characters culminate in a clear resolution. The book examines the potential
for reconciliation, healing, and the enduring value of interpersonal relationships. The story
deftly brings Mariam and Laila's interwoven tales to a close against the turbulent backdrop of
Afghanistan's past.

Sections 49–51:
The novel comes to a moving close in the last chapters. The paths of the characters cross, and
the significance of their common experiences is fully appreciated. The story comes full circle,
highlighting the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As the characters
find comfort and hope in the midst of the difficulties they have faced, themes of love, sacrifice,
and perseverance resound.

Khaled Hosseini's poignant story "A Thousand Splendid Suns" intertwines the lives of two
Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, against the turbulent backdrop of that country's history.
Fundamentally, the book is a compelling examination of fortitude, selflessness, and the human
spirit's unwavering resilience in the face of hardship. Readers are reminded of the
transformative power of love and friendship, which can offer comfort and hope even in the
darkest moments, through the intertwined destinies of Mariam and Laila. The story also sheds
light on the oppressive conditions faced by women in Afghanistan and serves as a powerful call
to action for social change and gender equality. The book also explores the intricate dynamics
of interpersonal relationships, showing how empathy and understanding can materialize in the
most unlikely of circumstances. The characters experience significant personal development,
questioning social mores and opposing repressive structures. By doing this, the story invites
readers to consider the repercussions of unquestioning adherence to tradition and the
significance of challenging social norms in order to promote advancement. The book "A
Thousand Splendid Suns" ultimately leaves readers with a keen understanding of human cost
associated with oppression and conflict as well as a strong sense of empathy. It stands as a
testament to women's unbreakable strength, their ability to bounce back from unfathomable
setbacks, and their persistent potential for hope and redemption even in the most hopeless
situations. The book explores the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for a better
future in depth in addition to being a compelling tale of survival.