Listen free for 30 days
-
A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Narrated by: Atossa Leoni
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Buy Now for $26.21
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss, and by fate. As they endure the ever-escalating dangers around them, in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love, or even the memory of love, that is often the key to survival.
A stunning accomplishment, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a haunting, heartbreaking, compelling story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love.
You may also enjoy...
-
The Kite Runner
- Written by: Khaled Hosseini
- Narrated by: Khaled Hosseini
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 464
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 398
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 398
Why we think it’s a great listen: Never before has an author’s narration of his fiction been so important to fully grasping the book’s impact and global implications. Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of its monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Engaging, though at times Confusing and Expository
- By Morganizer on 2021-02-04
Written by: Khaled Hosseini
-
A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Written by: Khaled Hosseini
- Narrated by: Atossa Leoni
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 16
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 16
Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss, and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them, in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Had to listen to this right after Kite Runner
- By Udyr on 2021-12-20
Written by: Khaled Hosseini
-
The Book Thief
- Written by: Markus Zusak
- Narrated by: Allan Corduner
- Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 679
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 578
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 576
It's just a small story really, about, among other things, a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist: books.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The Book Thief Stole My Heart
- By Tobie on 2018-10-27
Written by: Markus Zusak
-
The Color of Our Sky
- A Novel
- Written by: Amita Trasi
- Narrated by: Zehra Jane Nacqvi, Sneha Mathan
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 83
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 84
India, 1986: Mukta, a 10-year-old village girl from the lower-caste Yellama cult, has come of age and must fulfill her destiny of becoming a temple prostitute, as her mother and grandmother did before her. In an attempt to escape her fate, Mukta is sent to be a house girl for an upper-middle class family in Mumbai. There she discovers a friend in the daughter of the family, high-spirited eight-year-old Tara, who helps her recover from the wounds of her past.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Riveting
- By camallis on 2023-12-29
Written by: Amita Trasi
-
The Boat People
- Written by: Sharon Bala
- Narrated by: Athena Karkanis
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 237
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 216
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 216
By the winner of The Journey Prize, and inspired by a real incident, The Boat People is a gripping and morally complex novel about a group of refugees who survive a perilous ocean voyage to reach Canada - only to face the threat of deportation and accusations of terrorism in their new land.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Fantastic!
- By A.B on 2018-02-04
Written by: Sharon Bala
-
Purple Hibiscus
- Written by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 101
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 90
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 89
In Purple Hibiscus, she recounts the story of a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom. Although her father is greatly respected within their community, 15-year-old Kambili knows a frighteningly strict and abusive side to this man. In many ways, she and her family lead a privileged life, but Kambili and her brother, Jaja, are often punished for failing to meet their father’s expectations. After visiting her aunt and cousins, Kambili dreams of being part of a loving family.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Lisette's audio performance is fantastic.
- By vineet on 2019-12-02
Written by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
-
The Kite Runner
- Written by: Khaled Hosseini
- Narrated by: Khaled Hosseini
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 464
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 398
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 398
Why we think it’s a great listen: Never before has an author’s narration of his fiction been so important to fully grasping the book’s impact and global implications. Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of its monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Engaging, though at times Confusing and Expository
- By Morganizer on 2021-02-04
Written by: Khaled Hosseini
-
A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Written by: Khaled Hosseini
- Narrated by: Atossa Leoni
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 16
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 16
Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss, and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them, in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Had to listen to this right after Kite Runner
- By Udyr on 2021-12-20
Written by: Khaled Hosseini
-
The Book Thief
- Written by: Markus Zusak
- Narrated by: Allan Corduner
- Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 679
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 578
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 576
It's just a small story really, about, among other things, a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist: books.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The Book Thief Stole My Heart
- By Tobie on 2018-10-27
Written by: Markus Zusak
-
The Color of Our Sky
- A Novel
- Written by: Amita Trasi
- Narrated by: Zehra Jane Nacqvi, Sneha Mathan
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 83
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 84
India, 1986: Mukta, a 10-year-old village girl from the lower-caste Yellama cult, has come of age and must fulfill her destiny of becoming a temple prostitute, as her mother and grandmother did before her. In an attempt to escape her fate, Mukta is sent to be a house girl for an upper-middle class family in Mumbai. There she discovers a friend in the daughter of the family, high-spirited eight-year-old Tara, who helps her recover from the wounds of her past.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Riveting
- By camallis on 2023-12-29
Written by: Amita Trasi
-
The Boat People
- Written by: Sharon Bala
- Narrated by: Athena Karkanis
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 237
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 216
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 216
By the winner of The Journey Prize, and inspired by a real incident, The Boat People is a gripping and morally complex novel about a group of refugees who survive a perilous ocean voyage to reach Canada - only to face the threat of deportation and accusations of terrorism in their new land.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Fantastic!
- By A.B on 2018-02-04
Written by: Sharon Bala
-
Purple Hibiscus
- Written by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 101
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 90
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 89
In Purple Hibiscus, she recounts the story of a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom. Although her father is greatly respected within their community, 15-year-old Kambili knows a frighteningly strict and abusive side to this man. In many ways, she and her family lead a privileged life, but Kambili and her brother, Jaja, are often punished for failing to meet their father’s expectations. After visiting her aunt and cousins, Kambili dreams of being part of a loving family.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Lisette's audio performance is fantastic.
- By vineet on 2019-12-02
Written by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
What the critics say
"Another searing epic....[Hosseini's] tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters." (Publishers Weekly)
"Unimaginably tragic, Hosseini's magnificent second novel is a sad and beautiful testament to both Afghani suffering and strength. Readers who lost themselves in The Kite Runner will not want to miss this unforgettable follow up." (Booklist)
What listeners say about A Thousand Splendid Suns
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Maryam Hina
- 2023-06-26
Remarkable story of our neighbourland
Very engaging and heartbreaking story excellent narration👌.thank God!otherwise I leave books in middle if they are monotone.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- DALEE. Planette
- 2021-07-18
poignant. terrible. love this book.
The narrator is terrific. The story kind of slow and boring thru the first half, but without my noticing, I was hooked and fell in love with the characters (truly hate a few of them forever as well). I cried too much. Had far too much empathy and confused what-are-you-doings, but do believe that's one of the joys of reading: that we can learn about other people and the ways of others and hopefully become better people ourselves as a result of the journey.
A really good book. Really good. This one will be with me for a very long time.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Erika Augustynski
- 2020-02-13
Incredible story and narration.
This is a beautiful novel and introduced me to a world I would not have known about. I must also compliment the narrator. Her reading was so lovely and flawless. It made the novel even more enjoyable. She’s very talented.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2022-03-19
A heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of love, violence and war
The story is one of joy, hope, heartbreak, violence and redemption. When I bought it I saw that someone had complained of the narrator’s accent. I think her mild English accent adds to the imagery, to the story, and brings life to the characters. I enjoyed it a great deal.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shirley Schwartz
- 2021-07-08
A stunner of a book!
This was a wonderful book. I listened to it on Audible, and I think it would have been better to read it, but the narrator did a good job. This is a story of two strong women who were part of the history of Afghanistan for the past 30 years, from the Russian takeover to the Taliban and beyond. I have to admit that I put off reading this book because I didn't think it would measure up to The Kite Runner, but it did and then some. This is a story of two strong women who are thrown together under very stressful circumstances. Miriam was 15 years old when she was bequeathed to a much older man. She left a home where she did not get along with her mother, but adored her father and brother. She became pregnant and lost her baby, and many others besides. Her husband was a brutal man and shunned Mariam. When another young girl is brought into her home as a second wife, Mariam.did not allow herself to get attached to Laila until Rasheed, their husband, started beating and abusing her as well. A strong alliance is formed between these two women and Laila's two children are also part of the bond, and inevitably, when something horrible happens, they align themselves together. This is a gut-wrenching and difficult story to read and in my case, listen to. But it is a story that must be told. Hosseini has done a marvellous job with this story, and it has become a modern classic. His characters are so real, and his history elements so exact. I am sorry I waited so long to read this book. I fell in love with Miriam and Laila and marvelled at their strength and forbearance.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jerrica Velo
- 2024-10-26
Great story, not a fan of narrator
I’m very picky with voices, didn’t love the narrator. But the story was amazing. A slow burn, push through! The second half the book picks up in pace. Will recommend over and over again. Get pick for book club, a lot of good discussion points. Feeling very grateful to be a woman in Canada after this read.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caden H.
- 2019-11-16
Beautifully tragic, amazing story and narrator
I first read this book as mandatory reading in twelfth grade. Now, many years later, I listened to it again on a road trip across Canada. It's always stuck with me as one of the most well-written books I've ever encountered. The narrator does an exceptional job with this audiobook. Some reviews said the narrator's accent can be hard to understand at times however I had no issues with it. I'm very glad they got someone with the proper accent to do the audiobook instead of an American. Beautiful narration and beautifully tragic book. I'll always give this book 5 stars.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Darrelle
- 2022-09-06
WoW WoW WoW
This was an amazone book. It is heartbreaking and crushing. The narration was perfect and the characters were real and tangible. Bravo!!!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2023-06-19
A Thousand Splendid Suns review
Splendid story with thousands rays of shining lights of hope-:)
Hope for better Afghanistan and peaceful world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lisa M.
- 2019-04-06
so conflicted
The story was amazing. At first I almost lost interest because of the narrator. I understand accents I live in a multicultural country, but the pronunciation of some words was so harsh I was turned off the book and hedged on not finishing. An example would be if the word were 'greedy' the narrator said 'gweedy'. I get that people have accents and embrace as much but given your stature as an author I can't fathom that you couldn't have found one person that spoke English and whatever other language that wouldn't have bastardized this so badly?
For those of you still reading. I loved it. I was holding my breath at times wondering what would happen next.
My conclusion is that if you're reading this in print you'll be amazed. If you're listening to the audio book you might be annoyed but it's well worth finishing it off!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful