Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Characters: Laila, Hakin (Babi of Laila), Fariba (Mom of Laila), Tariq (Laila's BF), Hasina and Giti (Lailas childhood friends), Rasheed (Laila's husband), Mariam (Rasheed's first wife)

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roods, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls
- can't see the natural beauty (and the hidden beauty) of Kabul behind all of the terrible things occurring that are trampling over it
- so much to offer
- Hakin is sad to leave his motherland when the hidden beauties provide a glimmer of hope

Laila's wedding dreams were completely normal because if she had married Tariq she would have been able to fulfill those dreams.

Themes for Chapters 21-30
- Shame
- Hope vs. Hopelessness (& hope in children)
- Loss - home, country, Tariq, parents, freedom etc.

Buddha trip represents Hakin's aspirations for a better future, the importance of education and goals to have for a young Afghani woman.

Mariam is mad that Rasheed is to marry Laila after she is recovered from the rubble because after dealing with Rasheed she is now being replaced by something younger and prettier. She also has issues with abandonment and that is what Rasheed is doing to her now. BUt this is also the time where she finally stands up for herself.

Laila won't run away and marry Tariq because it would break her father's heart because she is the only thing that he has left.

Burqa Imagery - protection, allows them to do their own thing without anyone knowing or judging them
SAFE SPACE