The Kite Runner

As promised, this is my book review of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This novel was absolutely brilliant. It was one of the best works I have read in months, and has possibly catapulted itself onto my favorite books list.

The book contains layers upon layers of themes.  On one hand The Kite Runner is about the brutal history of twentieth century Afghanistan. The novel portrays the transformation of the Afghan government from an affluent monarchy to an oppressive Communist satellite to a horrifying terrorist regime.  On the other hand, the book centers upon the life of Amir, a wealthy Pashtun who craves the love of his disapproving father and yet shuns his adoring Hazara servant Hassan. The beginning of the novel focuses upon the jealousy, callousness and the racial divides of this relational triangle.

The second part of the novel follows Amir and his father as they flee from the Soviet Union and immigrate to California. They attempt to adjust to their new surroundings and construct their own American dream. Amir’s father is humbled by their immigration and eventually contents himself with his circumstances and relationship with his son.

Eventually Amir is offered the opportunity to heal his relationship with Hassan. The last part of the portion recounts his efforts to redeem himself, and in a way, recover a small part of a Taliban-dominated Afghanistan.

The novel is simply, but beautifully written.  I will end with my favorite quote from the book which I feel ultimately expresses the essence of the novel. “ I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.”

For more book reviews check out these sites:

The New York Times

UK The Observer