A Thousand Splendid Suns

Laila, Tariq and Hakim go on a day trip to Shahr-e-Zohak, the Red City, a 900-year-old fortress built to defend against invaders that was destroyed by Genghis Khan. The Red City is impressive, with two enormous Buddhas, an overhanging cliff, and myriad caves. They climb up the statues and gain perspective as well as a sense of peace. Hakim used to bring Fariba here, too, in her happier days. He reflects how Fariba was the most “alive” person he knew, with a laugh that “bulldozed you” (147).

When Tariq goes to explore a cave, Hakim expresses his own grief about his sons’ death to Laila. He tells her that with her mother so absent-minded and depressed, he sometimes feels that Laila is all he has. He shares a pipedream about escaping to California and opening up an Afghan restaurant. However, both he and Laila know it would never happen because Fariba would never leave the country where her sons were martyred.

Six months later, in April 1988, there is the announcement that the Soviets are leaving Afghanistan. However, Fariba is unimpressed, as the communist regime is staying, and says that she will not celebrate until the Mujahideen hold a victory parade in Kabul.