A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

Khaled Hosseini's much anticipated second novel returns to the land of THE KITE RUNNER, covering thirty years of Afghanistan's volatile history--from the the Soviet invasion through the Taliban's reign to post-Taliban rebuilding--through the lives of ordinary people. It's a riveting listening experience, brought to life by Atossa Leoni's compelling narration. Her Afghan-Iranian ancestry gives her voice authority, making this foreign culture seem more familiar. She breathes life into the two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become inextricably intertwined and interdependent. This is a powerful story that reminds us of the strong desire of the human spirit to survive and triumph, even on the bloody, inhumane canvas of war, poverty, discrimination, and ignorance. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]