A Must Read Novel. Review on Kite Runner, The - Khaled Hosseni

The Kite Runner is the first novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. Published in 2003 by Riverhead Books, it tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul.

This novel became a bestseller after being printed in paperback and was popularized in book clubs. It was a number one New York Times bestseller for over two years with over seven million copies sold in the United States. Though parts of the plot drew significant controversy in Afghanistan but overall this book had a positive vibe.

Followed by the book, in 2007 a film was made based on the novel and novel is also honored with stage performances, and a graphic novel.

Story here is a father–son story, emphasizing the familial aspects wherein themes of guilt and redemption feature prominently with a vital depiction of Amir's(Main character of the novel) failure to prevent violence against a his closest Hazarian friend Hassan, who also happens to be son of the servant of his Father.

The story unfolds meanwhile the era of Afghanistan's monarchy downfall by Soviets consequently followed by mass migration of refugees to Pakistan and US, and bloom of Taliban regime.

As the story unfolds, Amir who failed to rescue his Friend, keeps up the struggle. I should not better unfold the story and leave it to your curiosity to find what happens until the end.

Overall, this is a very good read and I recommend you all for well spent time. A Brief about characters and plot of the novel is below:

CHARACTERS:

Amir is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. He is a coward who failed to come to the aid of his best friend.

Hassan is Amir's closest childhood friend.

Baba is Amir's father and a wealthy businessman who aids the community by creating businesses for others and building a new orphanage.

Ali is Baba's servant, a Hazara believed to be Hassan's father.

Soraya is a young Afghan woman whom Amir meets and marries in America.

Sohrab is the son of Hassan.

Sanaubar is Ali's wife and the mother of Hassan.

Farid is a taxi driver who is initially abrasive toward Amir.

The novel has themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, redemption and the uneasy love between fathers and sons. The book has been able to reach across cultural, racial, religious and gender gaps to resonate with readers of varying backgrounds. It is a highly recommended Read.