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

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Sparks Like Stars reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Sparks Like Stars | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Sparks Like Stars and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Sparks Like Stars Summary and Study Guide

Background

Sparks Like Stars Background

chapter

chapterType

section

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

Sparks Like Stars Part 2, Chapters 33-49 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 50-Epilogue

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

character

Character Analysis

Sparks Like Stars Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Sparks Like Stars Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Sparks Like Stars Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Sparks Like Stars Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Sparks Like Stars Essay Topics

Sparks Like Stars: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Sparks Like Stars?

Reading Age

Book Details