The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

By Richard Alagbe

The short:

The novel centres on Kabul (a city rich in culture) in Afghanistan and America. The setting revolved during the communist occupation of Afghanistan. The novel revolves around the growth of a young boy from childhood to adulthood, friendship and betrayal, to self-discovery. The novel talks about the effect of war and communism in Afghanistan.

The long:

Khaled Hosseini wrote about Amir, a young boy born into a wealthy family; much wasn't said about his mother; his father raised him. The story revolves around how Amir has always fallen short in his father's eyes. He found solace in his father's friend Rahim Khan and companion in his father's servant's son Hassan, who later turned out to be his half-brother.

Kite plays an important role in the plot development of the novel, the game of kite means more to Amir. Winning the game helped him receive favor and worthiness, which he has always longed for from his father (Baba). The novel talks about the theme of betrayal and cowardliness, the quest for redemption, and making things right despite the challenges; he embarked on a dangerous and noble journey to save the life of his old-time friend's (Hassan) son.

To read or not to read: 

To read!!! The novel talks about friendship, love, cowardliness, and self-realization, which led to redemption and the quest to the right the wrong of the past. It also talked about the effect of war and communism on Afghanistan's. It talks about growth, which leads to change in human life, and how a selfish, weak person can be selfless and courageous.