Finding redemption and self forgiveness is the difficult task that is revealed through the history and growth of a young boy that ultimately is able to redeem himself as a grown man.
Through the story of "The Kite Runner", we read and enjoy the deep friendship and bond between two young boys. Hassan proves over and over his loyalty to Amir, while Amir yearns for his father's approval and love. This bond is ultimately broken by bullies, fear, confusion and the Afghan rules and society. I felt a closeness to each of the characters in this story and felt as though I was struggling to make decisions with them as they were living their lives. I wanted to give them my input especially to Hassan and Amir. In fact, the character development was told in such a magnificent way that one instance took me by surprise.
This is a brilliantly told story and one that will not be forgotten. As an American, I was taken into an unknown culture. I was intrigued by the author's descriptions of Afghanistan and the various cities and cultural areas. I enjoyed reading about the preparations for and the kite flying contests that occurred in the Afghan winters of past. I was saddened by the treatment of the less fortunate, the abused and abandoned orphans, and the rampant destruction of property and human life by the Taliban.
The foreshadowing in the plotline was woven in carefully so that the reader was not readily aware that this element would appear in the future. In addition, I was pleased to have several of the plot resolutions end in a way that I had anticipated.
I highly recommend this novel and I am looking forward to the motion picture that is in theaters this month.
The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Riverhead Books
ISBN: 978-1-59448-000-3
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Comments: 32
> "Finding redemption and self forgiveness is the difficult task that is revealed through the history and growth of a young boy that ultimately is able to redeem himself as a grown man."
The book might live up to this statement, but the film certainly does not. In the film Amir never redeems himself, he only takes action at the very end when someone else tells him to and he's way too late to change anything for Hassan the very person he needed to make BIGtime amends to (and almost too late to help Hassan's poor son). Personally, I don't consider this a redemptive action at all. Rather it was an act done out of guilt and shame.
Pls read my review & comment HOLLYWOOD POV: "The Kite Runner". I'd love to hear what those who've read the book have to say about the film.
And I am not going to watch the movie. They always take away the essence from the printed words.
Take care.
Hosseini has improved(if that's possible) his characterizations, and there is more vivid history of Afghanistan . The women seem to represent most women of that culture, and I feel as if I personally knew them. A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has but only one shortcoming in that it does not discuss the role played by the USA invasion in fomenting further instability and the re-emergence of the drug trade. Perhaps the author will discuss that in a future writing.
This book is not to be missed.
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