The novel, A Thousand Splendid...
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Object:
The novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, follows the life of the two wives of an abusive man in Afghanistan. Mariam is the older, bitter wife, whose life has been one hardship after another, and who has no children. Laila is the young wife, orphaned and left brokenhearted by war. As Laila bears the children Mariam never had, Mariam is bitter toward the young woman; however, constant abuse by their husband creates a necessary partnership between them. Their lives take a turn when their husband, Rasheed, finds out that Laila's childhood sweetheart, Tariq, is alive and has spoken to Laila. Rasheed nearly kills Laila, and it is Mariam who steps in and kills their husband to save Laila's life. In the end, in order for Laila and Tariq to escape, Mariam turns herself in to the police and sacrifices herself before the firing squad in hopes of a better future for the young woman who began as an enemy yet became a friend.
