Exploring the Theme of Sisterhood in Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and Deborah Rodriguez’s The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

Abstract

This article explores the representation of female solidarity in Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) and Deborah Rodriguez’s The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul (2011). Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan, both novels depict women navigating societal constraints and the brutality of conflict. The analysis focuses on how sisterhood emerges as a crucial tool for survival, fostering resilience and empowering women to defy limitations. In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam and Laila’s enduring bond offers emotional support and allows them to resist oppression. The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul portrays a broader network of women from diverse backgrounds who find solidarity and purpose within a Kabul coffee shop. Within the patriarchal confines of Afghan society, these acts of mutual aid transcend cultural and social barriers. The women in both novels support each other’s physical and emotional well-being, defying expectations that restrict female agency. By working together, they challenge the status quo and carve out spaces where women can experience safety, connection, and empowerment.