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.

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.

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

**Sitara Zamani/Aryana Shephard**  
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.

**Antonia Shephard**  
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.

**Shair Nabi**  
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.

**Tilly**  
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.

**Clay Porter**  
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.

Nadia Hashimi

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “April 1978”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10

Sparks Like Stars Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-21

Sparks Like Stars Part 1, Chapters 11-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 22-32

Sparks Like Stars Part 1, Chapters 22-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “November 2008”

Part 2, Chapters 33-49

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Part 2, Chapter 50-Epilogue

Sparks Like Stars Part 2, Chapter 50-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Sparks Like Stars: A Novel

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