Book Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Quote:

 "I loved him because he was my friend, but also because he was a good man, maybe even a great man. And this is what I want you to understand, that good, real good, was born out of your father's remorse. Sometimes, I think everything he did, feeding the poor on the streets, building the orphanage, giving money to friends in need, it was all his way of redeeming himself. And that, I believe, is what true redemption is, Amir jan, when guilt leads to good.  

I know that in the end, God will forgive. He will forgive your father, me, and you too. I hope you can do the same. Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But, most important, forgive yourself." 

Blurb:  Afghanistan, 1975: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realize that one day he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

Book Tropes: 

• Literary Fiction
• Coming-Of-Age
• Historical Fiction
• Class Divide
• Childhood friendship & betrayal

My Personal Views: 

The Kite Runner is a popular book by Khaled Hosseini, a renowned author. I had heard countless glowing reviews about this book and knew it had earned a spot on many readers’ five-star shelves. After reading it, I can see why people rave about it so much.

The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Amir as he grows up in Afghanistan alongside his friend Hassan. It explores the choices Amir makes and how those decisions shape the man he becomes. Ultimately, he must confront his deepest fears to achieve the redemption he has always longed for.

Khaled Hosseini is a talented storyteller. His words weave together a narrative that is breathtakingly vivid—it’s truly an art form. What sets him apart is his ability to tell the story with honesty, neither understating nor overstating anything.

I was deeply moved by the relationships Hosseini crafted. Each one felt authentic and beautifully nuanced, whether it was the bond between Amir and Hassan, Amir and his Baba, or even Ali and Baba. Hosseini’s portrayal of these connections brings out the depth and complexity of human relationships in a way that is both touching and thought-provoking.

I also loved how Amir and Hassan’s characters contrasted yet complemented each other. Amir’s cowardice and Hassan’s unwavering loyalty highlighted their differences, but it was their friendship that shone the brightest. Their dynamic felt raw and real, making their journey all the more compelling.

Hosseini’s depiction of Amir and Baba’s relationship particularly resonated with me. It mirrors the universal experience of growing up and reevaluating one’s parents. As children, we often idolize our parents, seeing them as invincible and flawless. But as we grow older, we begin to notice their cracks, their imperfections, and understand that after all, they are also humans. Similarly, Amir initially views his Baba as a larger-than-life figure, a force of nature. However, as he matures, he comes to see his father’s vulnerabilities and mistakes. By the end, the perfect father he once idolized is revealed to be just another imperfect human being. It’s a journey that many of us can relate to.

Beyond Amir and Hassan’s story, The Kite Runner offers a glimpse into Afghani culture and sheds light on the decades of torture Afghanistan has endured. It’s an important reminder of the struggles faced by people in other parts of the world and inspires gratitude for the things we often take for granted.

Ultimately, The Kite Runner is more than just the story of two boys—Amir and Hassan—growing up and facing life’s challenges. It is also the story of Afghanistan.

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Until the next read,

Aditi.