A Thousand Splendid Suns

Tonight I just finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

Last night I read several chapters on the metro, and when I arrived at my destination with 20 minutes to spare, I sat on a bench on the platform and read some more, quickly wiping my tears to avoid being seen crying.

For the last third of the book, I curled up on my couch, put my iPod on the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack and let myself go, crying freely without inhibitions.

Yes, it's a well written book.

Yes, it's a moving story, full of drama, love and war.

But I didn't cry for any fictional character in this book.

I cried for the women of Afghanistan.

For the mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, who have suffered at the hands of husbands, fathers, warlords, government, often in the name of Islam.

I cried for the men of Afghanistan.

For husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons who watched helplessly as their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters were raped, beaten, stoned, or starved to death.

For the millions of lives lived with no hope.

For the millions who continue to live without hope.

An excerpt from the book includes the decree of the Taliban when they first took over in 1996:

"Our watan is now known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. These are the laws that we will enforce and you will obey:

All citizens must pray five times a day. If it is prayer time and you are caught doing something other, you will be beaten.

All men will grow their beards. The correct length is at least one clenched fist beneath the chin. If you do not abide by this, you will be beaten.

....

Singing is forbidden.

Dancing is forbidden.

Playing cards, playing chess, gambling, and kite flying are forbidden.

Writing books, watching films, and painting pictures are forbidden.

If you keep parakeets, you will be beaten. Your birds will be killed.

If you steal, your hand will be cut off at the wrist. If you steal again, your foot will be cut off.

If you are not Muslim, do not worship where you can be seen by Muslims. If you do, you will be beaten and imprisoned. If you are caught trying to convert a Muslim to your faith, you will be executed.

Attention women:

You will stay inside your homes at all times....

You will not, under any circumstance, show your face. You will cover with a burqa when outside. If you do not, you will be severely beaten.

Cosmetics are forbidden.

Jewelry is forbidden.

You will not wear charming clothes.

You will not speak unless spoken to.

You will not make eye contact with men.

You will not laugh in public. If you do, you will be beaten.

You will not paint your nails. If you do, you will lose a finger.

Girls are forbidden from attending school. All schools for girls will be closed immediately.

Women are forbidden from working.

If you are found guilty of adultery, you will be stoned to death.

Listen. Listen well. Obey. Allah-u-akbar."

A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Go read it.