Luke's review of The Kite Runner, By Khaled Hosseini

(Includes spoilers)

A number one international bestseller, Khaled Hosseini brings an influential take on the tragic events of Afghanistan, guaranteed to take you on a journey through the emotions.

Written in 2003, Hosseini tells a tale with intent, depicting both the beauty and destruction of his home country. Targeted at a Western audience, its purpose was to change the perception of Afghanistan as a country synonymous with violence, misogyny and divisions. The novel comes from the heart of the author, as Hosseini quotes:

"I wanted to remind people that Afghans had managed to live in peaceful anonymity for decades"

Having just read the novel, I am adamant that it will surpass your expectations, as you are to become engrossed by Amir's anticipating quest for redemption.

The Kite Runner explores a plenitude of themes, ranging from love and honour to guilt and fear; mostly embodied by the protagonist, Amir. He is no marmite-like character, and you will learn to both love and hate him at various points throughout the novel, adopting different perspectives along the way. Amir is a privileged Pashtun who initially shares a strong bond with a Hazara servant, Hassan. In the form of two motherless boys, we see an ongoing social divide that is apparent in the real world. This leads to the brutal destruction of a friendship, and Amir is swarmed with guilt as he reflects on the gut-wrenching events that he saw Hassan the victim of. Amir is haunted by his childhood, and he helplessly tries to escape his past. After a shocking revelation that Amir and Hassan are half-brothers, we see a coward finally stand up for what is right to redeem himself. Amir's fate mirrors that of Afghanistan, forming a portrayal of the destruction that both the Soviet Union and the Taliban have caused.

The novel consists of a prolonged sense of trauma, which tediously emphasises the horrifying state of Afghanistan. As the reader, you almost share emotions with Amir, particularly when he betrays an innocent Hassan. I found myself conflicted with rage and sympathy throughout The Kite Runner, however the ending offered a sense of purgation. We see a changed Amir, teaching Hassan's son, Sohrab, the ways of flying a kite. Amir manages to look back on his past and smile, an incident I found refreshing after a longevity of guilt. Amir finally puts himself in Hassan's shoes, as it is he who runs the kite for Sohrab, contributing to a genuine sense of accomplishment. I believe that the ending, controversial as though it may be, is more than satisfactory, whereby there is a sense of completion in Amir's quest for redemption.

Stay in the know, and check out what I've been reading on The Storygraph:

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

challenging, dark, emotional, reflective, sad, medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

• Strong character development? Yes

• Loveable characters? It's complicated

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0/5 stars