tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028511161413354120.post865621281209765713..comments2007-08-31T16:38:07.959-04:00Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691684350360442014noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028511161413354120.post-5044040871439549282007-08-31T16:38:00.000-04:002007-08-31T16:38:00.000-04:00This is one of my favorite books. Mariam and Laila have narrow, violent lives, yet they discover the true meaning of friendship and love, and therefore, life. I could not help compare the lives of these two women with the many affluent, well-educated women I know that spend so much time fussing over their choices and their lives in general. They have so many opportunities, such rich lives in so many ways, yet they are self-centered, self-focused and neurotic. Much of modern fiction written by women reflects this angst, and that was one of the things that was so unique and wonderful about this book. It was written my a man who had such profound respect for his characters and the women of Afghanistan that they represent. He gave them such nobility and substance. He also showed that women lose so much in war, but also stand to gain so much when a repressive regime is removed. Food for thought regarding women's rights in Iraq, etc. All in all, a terrific book that made me thankful that my daughters were born in the United States. We are not a perfect nation, but we are much better than so many when it comes to the lives of women.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com