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The Kite Runner

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The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant tale that follows the lives of two boys, Amir and Hassan, who grow up in war-torn Afghanistan. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. The story delves into the struggles of immigrant life, the complexities of cultural identity, and the enduring consequences of past actions. Through vivid storytelling, the author provides insight into Afghan culture and societal issues, offering a compelling portrayal of human emotions and relationships.

The writing style in The Kite Runner is described as beautiful, raw, and emotional, with each word carrying deep meaning. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that immerses readers in the setting of Afghanistan, capturing the country's beauty, conflicts, and people with evocative prose. The novel presents a gripping and dramatic exploration of the characters' lives, highlighting the dichotomy between good and evil, love and betrayal, and the quest for redemption amidst personal and societal turmoil.

Characters:

The characters are deeply drawn with flaws and strengths, representing different perspectives on friendship, loyalty, and the search for redemption.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by clear and evocative language that captures the emotional depth of the characters and their experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption, set against the historical backdrop of Afghanistan's changing society.

Setting:

The Kite Runner's setting encapsulates life in both pre-war Afghanistan and immigrant experiences in America, showcasing the cultural and historical context.

Pacing:

The pacing shifts throughout the novel, initially focusing on character and cultural development before accelerating towards significant plot events.
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the fro...

Notes:

The Kite Runner provides a vivid glimpse of life in pre-war Afghanistan, showcasing cultural practices like kite fighting.
The novel explores deep themes such as friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption.
Amir, the protagonist, struggles with the shame of not standing up for his friend Hassan during a traumatic event.
The book reflects on the impact of Afghanistan's turbulent history, including the Soviet invasion and Taliban rule.
There are graphic scenes in the novel, including the sexual assault of Hassan, which impact Amir's psyche for years.
Hosseini's ability to create relatable characters elicits strong emotional responses from readers.
The story's devastating moments are balanced by themes of hope and the possibility of redemption.
The phrase 'For you, a thousand times over' symbolizes loyalty and deep friendship throughout the novel.
Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan-American, wrote The Kite Runner as his debut novel, bringing Afghan culture to a Western audience.
The novel's popularity has led to discussions about its suitability for younger audiences due to mature themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The Kite Runner contains high content warnings, specifically around graphic depictions of child abuse, sexual assault, and violence, along with themes that may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

The #1 New York Times bestselling novel that introduced Khaled Hosseini to millions of readers the world over.

"A vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people [of Afghanistan] have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence-forces that continue to threaten them even today." -New York Times Book Review

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change and destruction. A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons-their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

Since its publication in 2003 Kite Runner has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic of contemporary literature, touching millions of readers, and launching the career of one of America's most treasured writers.

Ratings (491)

Incredible (131)
Loved It (211)
Liked It (94)
It Was OK (25)
Did Not Like (24)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (751):

Read It (499)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (154)
Did Not Finish (9)
Not Interested (86)

16 comment(s)

Incredible
1 week

Don't read this book unless you want your heart broken. When I say reading this book will break your heart, I mean that as you read the story of Amir and Hassan, there is a feeling of foreboding that something really bad is going to happen and once it's done, it can't be undone. Although their relationship between the rich kid and the poor boy is frowned upon, a little part of me hope that Hassan would somehow rise about his Hazara status and he would one day be equal to Amir. Alas, this was not mean to be and instead something horrific happens to Hassan which changes their relationship forever.

As I read "The Kite Runner", I liked that Hosseini creates a deep story with characters you care about and I love the way he uses word to paint rich tapestry of show that regardless of what country you live in, children want their parent's approval, they want to feel love from their parents and that in the end, the sins of the past will always find a way to invade the present.

 
Incredible
3 months

This story is just so amazing and so "touch the heart". I dont know how many times i closed the book to calm myself and thought it's just a story.

A story which will help to open your eyes and say Humanity is the and should be the only religion on earth.

 
Incredible
3 months

At first I thought this book was fabulous. I bought it in an airport and didn't put it down until I had landed in a new city. It has fascinating insight into Afghani culture and I really learned a lot about the Middle Eastern mindset. It was educational without being boring. That being said, the ending really disappointed me. Things fell into place in a way that Dickens would have loved, but I found silly.

 
It Was OK
3 months

Tengo un conflicto con este libro. Por un lado muy bien:

- Emotivo

- Aunque a otra gente no le gusta, a mi me ha gustado que haya palabras en Farsi

- Consigue transmitir lo que quiere

Por otro muy mal:

- Hay alguien malo, tan malo que es ridiculo

- Partes que sobran? La vida normal de una pareja casada, etc.

- Los cambios en la trama y las multiples multiples coincidencias se ven venir desde tantas paginas antes de llegar alli que casi dan ganas de dejar el libro

- La trama is bleh

En total le doy 3 por quedarme a medio camino.

 
Loved It
4 months

It’s been awhile so I can’t remember the details but I remember loving it.

 
Incredible
5 months

One of the greatest books I ever ever read!!!

 
Incredible
6 months

Eye opening

 
Loved It
7 months

This book took me through a wide range of emotions. Good read.

 
Incredible
1 year

Broke my freakin heart

 
Loved It
2 years

Even though it is a sad novel, I believe everyone should read it. Mature themes.

 
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About the Author:

Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and moved to the United States in 1980. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and And the Mountains Echoed. Hosseini is also a U.S. Goodwill Envoy to the…

 
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