The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

The author describes the story of two friends Amir and Hassan. Amir is the son of a wealthy businessman and Hassan is the son of the servant living with him in Kabul. They are fond of each other and kite flying experts. They want to give their best to mark their triumph by winning the local kite flying tournament. This is the only way Amir feels that he can win his father's love, faith and respect. They win the tournament but something happens immediate after the victory that emotes guilt, betrayal, courage and devotion between them and that lead the story to another different level. As kites take over the sky, Taliban has captured the control of Kabul and forces to Amir and his father to flee for America. Further, the story showcases Amir's journey in search of redemption for the act of betrayal he committed being a teen age child towards his best friend Hassan. Story floats ahead with the sentiments of passion, love, dutifulness and redemption against the act of brutality and cruelty of the Taliban's.

Strengths:

It talks about the inter relationship between a nearly shattered family. The story of Amir and Hassan is so heart touching, at the same time it's so unfair that your cheeks ought to feel tears rolling down them as you read. This book has taught me to never judge a person... For everyone has their stories and their own share of vice and virtue that shapes them into who they are.

Weaknesses:

The book is excellent before I read it I didn't know much about Afghan culture but now i do , there is absolutely nothing I would change in this amazing book.

My Opinion:

The ways Khaled Hosseini describes each setting and character is near perfect. There were times I couldn't put this book down. Pre and post-war Afghanistan is so perfectly described that I felt as if I was there. There is a rollercoaster of emotions in this book as it also deals with several dark themes such as betrayal, loss of innocence, and regret. It can be distressing in many parts, but the story redeems itself ultimately in the end.