Sparks Like Stars: A Novel

Nadia Hashimi
52 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Nadia Hashimi

Sparks Like Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Survival Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1970s

Theme
Love

•

War

•

Grief
Topic
World History

•

Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Sparks Like Stars follows Sitara Zamani, a young girl who survives the violent overthrow of the Afghan government in 1978. Smuggled to the US under a new identity, Aryana, she becomes a doctor in New York. A chance encounter with a figure from her past propels her back to Afghanistan, where she seeks truth and closure for her family's tragedy, grappling with themes of exile, loss, survival, and grief. The book includes scenes of violence, executions, child abuse, and sexual abuse.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

23,091 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Nadia Hashimi's Sparks Like Stars has garnered praise for its compelling narrative and strong sense of place, capturing the tumultuous history of Afghanistan through the eyes of its resilient protagonist. Critics applaud Hashimi's storytelling and character development. Some readers find the pacing uneven, particularly in the latter sections. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and historical context.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sparks Like Stars?

A reader who would enjoy Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi is someone captivated by historical fiction, particularly with a focus on Afghanistan's complex past. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Kite Runner or Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale will appreciate Hashimi’s rich storytelling and deep emotional resonance.

4.3

23,091 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist, a courageous and curious child who faces personal transformation and growth following a significant familial loss. She later becomes a compassionate doctor while navigating her past and heritage.

An American embassy employee in Kabul, dedicated to humanitarian causes and acts as a mentor and mother figure to Sitara. She is practical, brave, and compassionate, offering guidance and support.

A soldier involved in a palace coup who provides pivotal assistance to Sitara during a critical moment in her life. He is complex and burdened by feelings of guilt related to past events.

Antonia’s mother, a free-spirited American woman with an adventurous past and a vivid presence. She aids in Sitara's escape from Afghanistan and seeks to reconcile with her daughter.

A supportive and ethical character who becomes a part of Aryana's journey. He represents the possibility of love and understanding, offering Aryana a sense of safety and encouragement.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Survival Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1970s

Theme
Love

•

War

•

Grief
Topic
World History

•

Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,950+ additional titles.