Introduction:
THE KITE RUNNER / Kahled Hosseini
Genre: Fiction
The Kite Runner is Kahled Hosseini’s debut novel. This compelling story not only captivates the readers but also makes them ride the emotional roller coaster along with Amir, the Protagonist.
About the Book:
The Kite Runner was published in 2003. The book’s theme has been framed from the Afghan-born author’s personal experiences in Afghanistan. It has won the South African Boeke Prize in 2004 and was adapted into a film of the same name in 2007.
Opinion:
The story written in simple English is a pleasant read. It moves even the hardest of hearts that only a few could be successful to not shed tears. Kahled Hosseini has succeeded in endearing the characters to the readers and it becomes really hard to digest the hardships meted out to them. Hosseini has done enough justice to his intent of leaving an ever lasting impact on the reader’s mind and the story is so real to be classified as fiction.
Setting: Soviet-Afghan War
Other Main Characters: Hassan - Amir’s Friend/Half brother, Baba - Amir/Hassan’s Father, Ali - Baba’s Servant, Rahim Khan - Baba’s business partner/best friend, Soraya - Amir’s Wife, Sohrab - Hassan’s Son
Summary:
The story begins with Amir narrating about Kabul and his Kith and Kins, especially Hassan. Reading about the envious friendship between the two reminds the reader about his/her close friend. The duo’s valiant efforts at the kite running competition earn Amir his father's love. Soon after, Amir's cowardice makes him betray Hassan and he makes Hassan and Ali to leave Kabul. The story takes a twist when the Soviet invades the Afghan and consequently the Taliban begins its jihad to evacuate the Russian army. The author deserves a special appreciation here that he has brought the Afghan’s repression into lime light through his profound writing. Afghan people suffer at the hands of both the Russian army and the Taliban. Baba being no exception to the hardships takes Amir to America to lead a peaceful life. Shortly, Baba dies of ill health. Amir then marries his love Soraya and goes on to become a famous writer. One day, Rahim Khan calls for Amir and shocks him that Hassan is his half brother. The story then jumps on to the express way with Amir going to Afghanistan for the rescue of Sohrab, Hassan’s son who is under the custody of Taliban. Following the Quickly unfolding events, Amir meets Assef, his estranged childhood acquaintance, as a Taliban Commander and one would hardly realize how quickly the story moves thereafter. The author is highly tactical in keeping the reader guessing and by not giving out the ending. The Kite Runner is worth reading a thousand times over.
Wanna Keep the words flowing,Praveen.
