Mariam and Laila’s first interaction is when Aziza, the daughter of Laila “grabbed” (Pg237) Mariam’s finger thereby forming a familial tie, in which she “had never been wanted like this, Love had never declared to her so guilelessly, so unreservedly” (Pg246). Hosseini unveils Mariam’s hidden emotions by personifying love itself, and suggesting how strongly she feels it, thereafter reflecting that Mariam harbors the divine instincts of love somewhere in the dark recesses of her heart. Hosseini through the character of Aziza kindles this relationship and shows how they “slowly grew accustomed to this tentative but pleasant companionship” (Pg245). The vast difference in the age of both the characters connotes Mariam as a mother, who protects her (Laila) from the unpleasant, and Laila, as the daughter. With the creation of this bond Hosseini further develops it into a relationship, which is sacrificial, unimpeded and filled with true love. Hosseini conveys this by reflecting it through their actions and dialogue. Mariam is so devastated by the circumstances that make “Mariam swung. She hit him across the temple” (Pg340) and kills Rasheed for the protection of her family. Another example is when as she says to Laila to “Think like a mother, I am.” (Pg349), which represents Mariam’s motherly nature towards Laila.
The strength of the relationship depicted by Hosseini was not only through the same marriage they were in, but also through a bond created because of the environment they lived in. Mariam and Laila’s relationship was also built as a result of the malicious war and repression of women. Through these hard times Hosseini illustrates the support they give each other through the brutal beatings by men as “he (Rasheed) swung a belt” (Pg337). Furthermore Hosseini reiterates the sacrifice made by the motherly figure of Mariam by showing the murder of their husband “Rasheed”. This reflects the permanency in their relationship. In addition, Hosseini echoes the domination of men throughout, and crafts a bond to show how women survive this kind of oppression, thus reflecting the fortitude of the two women and their relationship.
Hosseini evokes a relationship between the two characters through the theme of love and sacrifice. The theme of love portrayed by Hosseini can be seen in almost every aspect of the story, one of which is acceptance. Laila accepts Mariam as a “harami”(Pg4), and never thinks of her as “a weed” (Pg8) or “nothing” (Pg27) and on the other hand Mariam accepts Laila, Aziza and Tariq into her life without any hesitation. Hosseini depicts the theme of love through the actions made by the characters; for example, Mariam giving up her freedom, “so that they would leave---Laila, the children and Tariq too” (Pg345) just so that they are secure. Hence this also reflects the theme of sacrifice with Mariam having motherly traits, giving up her future and her life in order to keep Laila and her family safe. Hosseini through these two main themes strengthens how their relationship evokes a special bond between a mother and a daughter.
Hosseini reveals the relationship between Mariam and Laila through the way he has structured the novel. He gives both Mariam and Laila a chance to reveal their thoughts even though there is an omniscient narrator speaking. The novel is divided into four parts, in which the first part is Mariam’s life, second part is Laila’s life, third part is a mixture of Laila and Mariam’s life together and the fourth part, after the sacrifice of Mariam, is Laila’s voice. The structure shows the build up of their relationship; the first and second parts are both dedicated to them separately, reflecting the distance in their relationship. Furthermore the third part is of both Laila and Mariam, portraying the gradual build up of their relationship as well the intimacy of their bond. The fourth part, which is about Laila reminiscing about Mariam, suggests even after the sacrifice she is remembered, and she has left an indelible mark on their lives forever. The structure is an interweaving of their relationship, like a creeper; one by one each of the vines of the creeper overlaps to create a strapping and strong plant.
Throughout this emotive and expressive novel, Khaled Hosseini does a fine job rendering the extraordinary and epic relationship between Mariam and Laila. The relationship reflected in this novel is truly moving; Hosseini has incorporated themes of love, trust, and sacrifice to enhance and intensify the relationship. Overall, Hosseini is successful in turning a relationship between two women, into a unique bond created between a mother and daughter. This story is extremely heart-rending and touching, as it opens the minds of readers into a different perspective. The quote that moved me, not only describes Mariam, but her life and relationship with Laila; “One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls. (Pg381).
Hosseini’s craft is remarkable in that it shows how two women victimized by social, mental, physical and sexual oppression can join hands together irrespective of the tenets of caste and creed. The weaker sex can shine like the thousand splendid suns with the milk of human kindness filled in their hearts, and not surprisingly eclipse the dominating spirit of dehumanized men, as epitomized by Jalil and Rashid.
