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Book Review: The Kite Runner

 

BOOK REVIEW: THE KITE RUNNER

AUTHOR: KHALED HOSSEINI



 

 

“For you, a thousand times over” 

 

Khaled Hosseini's debut book is nothing short of a masterpiece in its own way. In 1999, Khaled Hosseini learned through a news report that the Taliban had banned kite flying in Afghanistan, a restriction he found particularly cruel. The news "struck a personal chord" for him, as he had grown up with the sport while living in Afghanistan. He was motivated to write a 25-page short story about two boys who fly kites in Kabul.[8] Hosseini submitted copies to Esquire and The New Yorker, both of which rejected it. He rediscovered the manuscript in his garage in March 2001 and began to expand it to novel format at the suggestion of a friend. (*courtesy: Wikipedia*) And thus the world was gifted with the book, "The Kite Runner".

 

“There is only one sin. and that is theft... when you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth.” 

 

The plot revolves around the bitter-sweet life of Amir. Amir, a young boy from Kabul and his closest friend, Hassan grew up amidst a harmonious neighborhood that had its own share of dark elements. Hassan being the son of a servant to Amir's family, never divulged from his loyalty of friendship towards Amir. Amir, on the other hand, grew up with certain character flaws that completely changed his life, haunting him for the rest of his life. When Afghanistan was at war, followed by the tyranny rule of the Taliban, it was then the lives of Amir and Hassan and their families changed completely. An emotional tale of betrayal and redemption, The Kite Runner explores a deep father-son relationship.

 

“it always hurts more to have and lose than to not have in the first place.” 

 

The best thing about "The Kite Runner" is that nowhere along the ride, a reader feel bored. The narrative is quite at pace while there aren't any dull moments. Hosseini has made quite an impression which makes his book very unlikely a debut. The plot covers a very vivid description of Afghanistan and the minute details of the cultural elements. The strongest point which makes this book worthwhile is the emotional quotient. Hosseini has excellently injected moments that shows his dexterity in storytelling. 

 

“When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness.”

 

Hosseini sheds light that shows his uneasiness about the cultures of Afghani Muslims, and criticizes some of the biases and cruelties of the community. Through his story he criticized the treatment of women by the Taliban, and Amir’s eventual wife in particular in the Afghan community. Hosseini's book isn't a message of sorts but it sure does show the truth behind the fascist groups who in the name of righteousness murders humanity.

 

“There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood.” 

 

On a whole The Kite Runner is one of the brilliantly written books of the century. Khaled Hosseini deserves all the praise. A must read for all.

Four and a half Stars for The Kite Runner 

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