Book Review: The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini
Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
No of pages: 372
Genre: Fiction
Link for purchase: The Kite Runner
Synopsis: Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, a member of the ruling caste of Pashtuns. Hassan, his servant and constant companion, is a Hazara, a despised and impoverished caste. Their uncommon bond is torn by Amir’s choice to abandon his friend amidst the increasing ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy, wrenching them far apart. But so strong is the bond between the two boys that Amir journeys back to a distant world, to try to right past wrongs against the only true friend he ever had.
My Take:
Pros: The story is based in Afghanistan of the late eighties when the country is in the middle of a severe political turmoil. All the characters in the story are intense and their personalities are portrayed brilliantly. The reader is able to readily identify with them. The author is an excellent storyteller and takes us through a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The narration brings a lump to the throat in every page of the book. The undying loyalty of the young Hazara boy Hassan towards his master and his son Amir touches your heart.
The innocence of a child’s unwavering devotion and his inability to even think of being disloyal to his master is really touching. The powerful personality of Amir’s Baba (father) adds a lot of colour to the story. The story moves from Afghanistan to the USA and back again to Afghanistan as Amir searches desperately for redemption for his wrong doings and relief from the guilt that berates his heart every day. The book touched an emotional chord in me. True to form the author ends the story in an emotionally moving note.
Cons: The book is rather heavy on the reader. It is a real tearjerker. What I mean is if you are not the kind of person who likes to have your emotions played with, then this book is not for you. The author is clearly writing the book for people who like to get deeply involved emotionally. In some parts of the book the gore and violence included is a bit too harsh.
Conclusion: I would definitely recommend this book for all those people who have an emotional temperament and like heavy reads.
Rating: I am going with a rating of 4/5 for ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini.
Rating Chart:
1 – Poor
2 – Fair
3 – Good
4 – Excellent
5 – Outstanding
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I love The Kite Runner. Khaled Hosseini is one of my favourite author.
Have you watched the movie as well? I waited the longest time for the movie to release and I was so disappointed. Books are better than movies! Anytime. And this is one of my very favourite books.
This is the only Hosseini that is still on my TBR list. Some day I hope I will be ready for the tears ..
I read this book years back and as you said it was emotionally so heavy that I felt drained. But am thinking to reread it after your post… Let’s see if age made any difference. Between, the movie is as emotional especially with Afghanistan’s rugged landscape and then with Hassan.
I have read this and was totally devastated by the movie. books are way better any day.
Have seen the movie based on this book and it was so emotional and shocking. I am sure the book must b even more strongly written. Will try to read.
One of my favorite books! It is a read that simply stays with you for long. Thanks for penning the review.
I have been long to read the book some a long time. Thanks for sharing your view about it. I’m going to grab this one asap.
Have read this book and your review is just up to the mark. It speaks the soul of the book The Kite Runner
This book made me cry for days and the characters stayed for long. It is one of the book that I re-read when I feel I don’t have enough resources in life. A reminder that my life is much previledged than war torn countries and places.
I absolutely love this book and specifically the dialogue – ‘For you, a thousand times over!’
I love this book and have lost count of how many times I have read it. It never ceases to amaze me. The Life Runner is an all time favorite. 🙂
This book is amazing. I had read this book back in college but it is still fresh in my mind. Every little detail and the way the author has written about the young boy just leave an everlasting impression. #MyFriendAlexa #ShubhraReads
Thanks for visiting. The book leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
It is a wonderful saga of the boy Amir and your review sums it up so well. I read it more than 15 years ago I guess and it really had an emotional impact. #wordsmithkaurreads #MyFriendAlexa #BlogChatter
Yes the book does leave us emotionally drenched. Thanks for visiting.
Khalid Hosseini is one of my favourite aurhors and this is one of his best. I recently re-read A Thousand Splendid suns for the 3rd time and crief at the end. Thats how good his books are!
I love this book. I read when I was in my late teens and the essence of this books still stays with me, years later! “For you, a thousand times over”. Undoubtedly, one of Khalid Hosseini’s best works.
I have this book at home, but strangely never read it.. But after your post, I think I should finish it asap:)