First read of 2025. Left me in tears.

Khaled Hosseini once again proved what a masterful writer he is. This was a heavy read. Hosseini is so raw with the harsh reality of women in Afghanistan. The story of Mariam is still echoing with me. The one of Laila even more.

This is what I love most of about his writing. It does not force your attention. It doesn’t even demand it. It just sits there and lets you muster the courage to pick it. The way he writes, sucks you into the story, as if you’re watching it unfold in front of your own eyes. It makes you a witness to the story. And that makes it real. That makes you think a while after you’ve kept it down.

What a great start to the year. What a sad one.