THE KITE RUNNER

The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant and powerful novel that explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Heartbreaking, shattering, captivating, completely and utterly unforgettable. This novel really took me on an emotional roller coaster. It had many unexpected turns, leaving me hooked. It has left me shocked, and shaken, but also satisfied, and in some way at peace I guess. Each character was portrayed excellently. I had a strong hatred for characters I disliked and much warmth for characters I did like. The character development of each character was so deeply and so thoughtfully written. I strongly recommend anyone to read this book.

The story is fast-paced and hardly ever dull and introduced me to a world of Afghan life- which is strange, fascinating, and yet oddly familiar all at the same time. Hosseini’s writing finds a great balance between being clear and yet powerful, and not only is the story itself brilliantly constructed, but the book also explores the very art of storytelling. The story is beautifully written with vivid descriptions of Afghanistan’s landscape, and culture, and the characters are well developed and multi-dimensional. Hosseini’s portrayal of Amir’s internal struggle and his eventful journey to redemption is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and the story is a powerful commentary on the devastating effects of war and political turmoil on individuals and communities.

It begins with a vivid description of pre-war Afghanistan, where the flying of kites was a popular pastime and a symbol of social status. Amir and Hassan, who share a deep bond, spend their days chasing kites and dreaming of winning the annual kite fighting tournament. However, their idyllic childhood is shattered when Amir witnesses a terrible act of violence against Hassan and chooses to do nothing to stop it. The guilt and shame of his inaction haunts Amir for years, even as he and his father flee to America to escape the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. But when Amir is called back to Afghanistan years later, he is given the chance to make amends and redeem himself.

The best bit of this book is its sense of fate and justice, of good overcoming evil in the end. The final chapter of the book is perhaps my favorite and one that I have found moving even when rereading it. The message behind the very ending could be interpreted differently by different readers, but personally, I feel that it offers a small sense of hope for both the future of its characters, and perhaps for war-torn Afghanistan as well.

Quotes I found intriguing;

“That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.”

‘Tell him he’s wrong. War doesn’t negate decency. It demands it, even more than in times of peace.‘”

“Not a word passes between us, not because we have nothing to say, but because we don’t have to say anything”

“Children aren’t coloring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite colors.”

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime…”

“But I hope you will heed this: A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer

“Quiet is peace. Tranquility. Quiet is turning down the volume knob on life. Silence is pushing the off button. Shutting it down. All of it.”

I would like to end this with my favorite quote, ‘For you, a thousand times over.’