subject: Book Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini [print this page] Book Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The story of Hassan and Amir, one a Shi'a and another Sunni, respectively, is told with powerful and ruthless force in The Kite Runner. One is born in a wealthy family and the other is a servant, and both the best friends grow up in Afghanistan and then everything changes on one fateful day. The relationship between the boys is changed forever with consequences that follow them all their life.
Afghanistan to USA and Then Back
The novel The Kite Runner starts its journey in Afghanistan and the readers are then taken to San Francisco where a new life begins for Amir and his father. Amir has to go back to a changed Afghanistan due to a phone call to her father from his old friend. In the new Afghanistan, the streets are now being patrolled by Taliban soldiers and people are stoned to death or hung at public places (on the streets or during soccer games). Amir has to face the uncovering of betrayals and other secrets here and face his demons.
Powerful and Simple Writing Style
In this book by Khaled Hosseini, several themes have been explored at once, these include religious divisions, war cruelty, the power of love and family loyalty. The writing style of the author of The Kite Runner is powerful yet simple. The violence depicted in The Kite Runner is painful and the readers need to watch out for the graphic scenes involving child rape. The Kite Runner is Khaled Hosseini's first book, hence the mistake such as some unbelievable plots twists may be overlooked. There are some other portions which appear contrived as well.
Impressive First Book
All said and done, this is an impressive first book, which is very effective in expressing what is happening in Afghanistan and the extent of the horror. The Afghanistan government has banned The Kite Runner due to its graphic scenes and ethnic tensions highlighted. The book has faced challenges in the US as well, probably due to the lasting impression it leaves on the readers. The Kite Runner even has the potential of leaving you in tears at times as it strikes a chord with you.
Narrative in First Person
The book The Kite Runner has been narrated in first person from the eyes of the character Amir, mostly talking about the childhood. Amir failed to save his friend from being sexually abused and the story traces his redemption as he atones for his sins after his friend falls victim to the Russian mercenaries. Some statements are especially poignant such as the one which describes the undying affection that Hassan has for Amir.
Moving Images
The scenes which depict the interaction between the children and Amir's brutality as he drives Ali and Hassan out of his home are extremely moving. Amir's behavior is due to his own guilt pangs and the silence of Hassan really moves the readers.
