Characters
What are Laila's children's names? (include both)
Aziza and Zalmai
Afghan men often force their wives to wear this article of clothing out in public.
A burqa
What was the reasoning Rasheed had for making Mariam chew rocks?
Her "terrible" cooking skills
Who had invaded Afghanistan when the novel began?
The Soviets
What was Zalamai's nickname fro Rasheed?
Baba Jan
How many miscarriages did Mariam have?
Seven
Where does Laila move after leaving Kabul?
Murree, Pakistan
What was the cause of Laila's parents' deaths?
A rocket
What event took place in September 2001 that Laila and Tariq saw on TV?
September 11th attacks; bombing of the World Trade Center/Twin Towers
How did Nana die?
She hung herself.
In the moment, what was Mariam's reasoning for murdering Rasheed?
He was strangling Laila, about to kill her
What is the well-known Afghan cuisine that includes lentils and spices and is served with rice? (Hint: Mariam makes it for Rasheed).
Daal
Why was Mariam forced to marry Rasheed when she is fifteen?
Jalil wanted to get rid of his embarrassing Harami daughter and to receive money from Rasheed.
What lie does Laila continue telling Zalmai?
That his father (Rasheed) has gone away and she's not sure when he's coming back.
What was Laila carrying out of her home when it blew up?
A box of books
Who did Mariam want to come with her to see Pinocchio?
Her father, Jalil, and her step brothers and sisters whom she's never met
Where does Babi take Laila and Tariq one day?
The Bamiyan Valley to see the Buddha statues
How many times, according to Taliban law, were people expected to pray per day?
Five times a day
Who is the concierge at the hotel where Tariq and Laila work?
One of Mariam's last thoughts before being executed is that she...
Wished she could see Aziza grow up; wished she could see Laila again
Who runs the orphanage where Aziza lives for a while?
Zaman
What was the name of the prayers Zalmai and Rasheed recited every morning and night?
Babaloo prayers
Who forced women to stay inside or be at risk of being beaten or stoned?
The Taliban
What Afghan leader is killed towards the end of A Thousand Splendid Suns?
Ahmad Shah Massoud
Who were the three people that Mammy had hung pictures of on her bedroom wall?
Ahmad, Noor, Ahmad Shah Massoud or Laila's brothers and Ahmad Shah Massoud