The Kite Runner
Genre: Historical Fiction
“When nothing goes right, go left”—that’s what the twelve-year-old Amir chose when things were not going the same as before between him and his loyal friend Hassan after the incident that occurred following the local kite-fighting tournament. After the invasion of Russia in Afghanistan, Amir and his Baba are bound to move to the States, leaving their homeland and everything behind. As his life flows, Amir finds himself once again in Afghanistan, this time for compensation and with the hope of a new beginning.
The Kite Runner is a novel with the utmost power of moving the hardest of hearts. The author, being a great storyteller, advances through the successive incidents of Amir’s life, giving no space to attenuation of the reader’s curiosity. The book successfully depicts the pure bond between two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan. Their playful days attached to nature in Afghanistan clearly reflect the merriment of boyhood. Throughout the book, Afghan culture flourishes through Khaled Hosseini’s ink. The story proceeds to unravel some major incidents that leave remarkable marks on the two soulmates’ lives and friendship. While Amir faces loads of confusion, any reader is to fall in love with the celestial character of Hassan. “For you, a thousand times over”—Hassan’s meaningful words would ring in any reader’s heart. Who would not seek such a friend?
At age eighteen, the fleeing of Amir’s family due to the attacks of the Russians opens a new chapter in their life. On these pages of the book, the diversity in two different countries’ cultures, economies, and lifestyles is perceived. After years, Amir, driven by responsibility, love, and the hope of getting redemption for his betrayal, goes once again to Afghanistan in its awful state under Taliban rule. Amir nevertheless moves forward and confronts several thrilling events to finally embrace his past. The pleasant sight of his childhood home touches the hearts of readers as much as it vibrates Amir’s. The smell of nostalgia is quite discernible. In the last pages, every reader must enjoy how ‘karma’ strikes repeatedly. Besides, Amir’s philosophy about God is mentionable as well. The story ends with the emergence of a new dawn, giving the joy and satisfaction of going ahead in the future with a greater objective.
‘The Kite Runner’ reflects such a sense of greatness in all its ways that nitpickers would have to toil to find flaws.
In all, the book is definitely recommended, especially for those who enjoy life stories and heart-touching tales. The book conveys this message of learning from the life you lead. It is all about love, inspiration, affection, and redemption. Dive into its pages and unleash the beauty of truth, justice, brotherhood, and goodness. And let the words resonate with your heart. Zindagi migzara.
Rating: 9/10