The Bonds of Blood and Choice: Mariam and Aziza

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Traces the unique relationship between Mariam and Aziza, from the first night they meet to Mariam's death and Aziza's memory of her.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

First Encounter in the Night First Encounter in the Night from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". An Unexpected Connection The Night of the Beating After Rasheed threatens Mariam, Laila and Aziza sleep on the floor in the living room.

First Encounter in the Night from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". An Unexpected Connection The Night of the Beating After Rasheed threatens Mariam, Laila and Aziza sleep on the floor in the living room.

An Unexpected Connection The Night of the Beating After Rasheed threatens Mariam, Laila and Aziza sleep on the floor in the living room. Mariam finds them there. She hunkers down and talks to the baby. The Baby Grabs Her Finger Aziza grabs Mariam's pinkie. Mariam is moved. She whispers to the baby, calling her a sorry sight dressed in boy's clothes. She feels an unexpected tenderness. A Bond Forms From that night, Mariam is drawn to Aziza. She begins to care for her, despite her resentment of Laila. Aziza becomes the light in Mariam's dark life.

Mariam as Second Mother Mariam as Second Mother from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A Child's Love Daily Care Mariam teaches Aziza prayers, draws elephants for her, makes her a doll. Aziza calls her Khala Mariam. They are inseparable.

Mariam as Second Mother from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A Child's Love Daily Care Mariam teaches Aziza prayers, draws elephants for her, makes her a doll. Aziza calls her Khala Mariam. They are inseparable.

A Child's Love Daily Care Mariam teaches Aziza prayers, draws elephants for her, makes her a doll. Aziza calls her Khala Mariam. They are inseparable. Mariam feels wanted for the first time. The Doll Mariam stitches a doll for Aziza, stuffing it with beans. Aziza clings to it. The doll becomes a symbol of Mariam's love. The Orphanage Separation When Aziza is sent to the orphanage, Mariam is devastated. She visits when she can. The separation is a deep wound for both.

Mariam's Legacy in Aziza Mariam's Legacy in Aziza from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Living Memory Aziza's Grief Aziza is sad when Mariam is gone. She keeps the doll. She stutters for a while. But she also remembers Khala Mariam's love.

Mariam's Legacy in Aziza from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Living Memory Aziza's Grief Aziza is sad when Mariam is gone. She keeps the doll. She stutters for a while. But she also remembers Khala Mariam's love.

Living Memory Aziza's Grief Aziza is sad when Mariam is gone. She keeps the doll. She stutters for a while. But she also remembers Khala Mariam's love. The Prayers Aziza prays five times a day, a habit Mariam taught her. The prayers are a way to stay connected. Laila sees Mariam in Aziza's devotion. A New Home In Murree and later in Kabul, Aziza thrives. She accepts Tariq as her father. She is bright and strong. Mariam's love lives on in her.

summer 1993, when Aziza is a few months old

1993-2001, Aziza's early childhood

2001-2003, after Mariam's death