Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Book of a Thousand Days is a captivating novel by Shannon Hale that tells the story of Lady Saren and her maid, Dashti, who are confined in a tower for seven years. Through diary entries, the book chronicles their struggle for survival and their journey towards freedom.
In Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale, we are introduced to Lady Saren, a noblewoman who refuses to marry Lord Khasar, a man she fears, and is thus confined with her maid, Dashti, in a tower for seven years. The tale is narrated by Dashti, who records their experiences in a journal, which she addresses to her deceased mother. The two women are forced to live on minimal rations and endure extreme weather conditions.
Dashti, who is resourceful and practical, takes on the role of protector and provider for both of them. She creates a garden in the tower, saving seeds from their meager meals and using the limited sunlight that filters in through the tiny window. She also makes up songs and stories to entertain Saren and keep their spirits up. As the years pass, Saren's mental state deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly dependent on Dashti.
When the food supply dwindles to nothing, Dashti makes a risky decision. She disguises herself as Saren and goes outside to seek help from the suitors who had previously visited the tower. The impersonation is dangerous, as it is punishable by death, but Dashti is determined to save herself and Saren. She manages to convince the suitors to bring them food, but in doing so, she also agrees to marry Lord Khasar, a man she has never met.
Despite the perilous situation, Dashti finds herself falling in love with one of the suitors, Khan Tegus, who is kind and understanding. She continues to impersonate Saren and communicates with Khan Tegus through letters, all the while keeping her true identity a secret. Meanwhile, Saren grows increasingly unstable, and Dashti struggles to maintain the facade.
When Lord Khasar finally arrives to claim Saren, Dashti is forced to reveal her deception. She and Saren manage to escape the tower, and with Khan Tegus' help, they flee to a distant city. There, Saren's fragile mental state continues to deteriorate, and she is eventually institutionalized. Dashti, on the other hand, finds herself torn between her loyalty to Saren and her growing love for Khan Tegus.
As the story unfolds, we witness Dashti's struggle to reconcile her conflicting emotions. She is torn between her duty to Saren and her desire for a better life with Khan Tegus. In the end, she chooses to follow her heart and accepts Khan Tegus' proposal. The story concludes with Dashti and Khan Tegus setting out on a new adventure, leaving their past behind and looking forward to a brighter future.
In Book of a Thousand Days, Shannon Hale weaves a captivating tale of survival, sacrifice, and love. The story is not just about the physical confinement of the tower, but also about the emotional and societal constraints that the characters must overcome. Through Dashti's journey, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to conquer even the most daunting challenges.
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale is a captivating tale of courage, friendship, and survival. Set in a distant land, it follows the story of Lady Saren who is confined in a tower for seven years by her cruel father. The book is written in diary format by Saren's loyal maid, Dashti, who chronicles their struggles and adventures as they strive to break free from their captivity. It's a beautifully crafted story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings with strong female protagonists
Those interested in exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery
People who appreciate rich world-building and descriptive storytelling
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma