Where do I even begin with speaking about this book? It was a masterpiece. I’ve read stories by Hosseini before that I thought were stunning, but this one is on a whole new level.

The writing here is beautiful, and this is honestly a masterclass in how to craft and tell a story. From beginning to end this was so engaging and well put together. The pacing, the vivid use of description, the dynamic characters, the atmosphere, and the really suspenseful setting up and unravelling of events. Everything was done so skilfully and just made for the most well rounded book.

Emotionally, this was one of the heaviest and most taxing books I’ve ever read. At times it was really difficult to get through because of how harrowing it was, but it was so eye opening. It isn’t just an entirely fabricated story, things that happen in this book have, and unfortunately still do, happen to women and girls around the world as a result of extreme corruption. It’s so difficult to read, but gives a harrowing truth and real perspective. It was so sad, but definitely worth the read.

You will really connect with this story and its characters, there are amazing personalities in Marima and Laila. They deserved the world, and so much more. They had the most heartbreaking journeys both separately and together, and the way their stories were told was beautiful albeit soul destroying. I think Hosseini did them justice in their raw and honest portrayal.

This book takes you on the craziest emotional and mental journey while also handling topics such as politics, religion, culture, corruption, war, women’s rights, child abuse and more. I feel like it handled everything with dignity while being careful to portray events honestly, without sugar coating or romanticising anything for the comfort of the audience.

Genuinely one of the best books I’ve ever read, and will likely ever read.