A Thousand Splendid Suns Allusions and Cultural References

When authors give shout outs to other great works, people, and events, it's usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Nizami Ganjavi, Layla and Manjnun (2.23.48)
  • Saib-e-Tabrizi, Kabul (2.26.43-44, 4.50.36, 4.51.37)

Historical References

  • Ahmad Shah Massoud (referenced throughout)
  • President Daoud Khan (referenced throughout)
  • Mohammad Najibullah (referenced throughout)
  • Gulbuddin Hekmatyar (referenced throughout)
  • Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal (1.10.14)
  • Mir Akbar Khyber (1.15.1)
  • Karl Marx (1.15.5)
  • Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra Affair (2.16.37)
  • Mullah Omar (3.37.3)
  • Osama bin Laden (4.49.15)
  • George W. Bush (4.49.21)

Pop Culture References

  • Walt Disney's Pinocchio (1.5.5, 4.50.137)
  • Ustad Awal Mir (singer) (2.23.79-80)
  • Titanic (3.41.3-19)
  • Superman (4.51.44)