The Kite Runner: An Achingly Beautiful Story

Khaled Hosseini's debut novel the Kite Runner takes a deep and poignant look at a young boys coming of age in a land the world forgot. A land torn by war and fundamentally impassible ethnic divisions.

I bought this book understanding it would cause me deep pain and sorrow, because of my passionate concern and love for the women who grace that rubble strewn land. What I wasn't prepared for was the piercing introspective look into the heart of who we are as human beings.

The story opens in pre-communist Afghanistan, in 1975. 12 year old Amir lives with his Baba (father), in a beautiful home in northern Kabul. His mother died giving birth to him, so he lives there with his father, Ali and Hassan, their servants. Baba is loved and respected throughout their district. A man who Amir wants desperately to please, yet seemingly always fails miserably to do just that.

Hassan, the same age as Amir was born with a harelip, and is despised by others for being an ethnic Hazaran. The two boys are close friends and companions, fed from the same breast as infants. Hassan's mother abandoned both husband and child while Hassan was still an infant.

Throughout their late childhood the boys are often inseperable. Yet, in a moment of self honesty, Amir questions himself as to why he never includes Hassan in his visits with others. Why he has moments of cruelty towards Hassan who loves him unconditionally. In addition, Amir perceives his father as somehow loving Hassan more and experiences deep aching pangs of loss and jealousy.

But young Hassan has a bitter enemy in another young boy who enjoys hurting those less fortunate. After one terrifying encounter, in which Hassan manages to back the young thug down, Amir knows one day he will come after Hassan.

Poor Amir can rarely if ever please his Baba and knows this. He spends days trying to figure out how he can gain his fathers love and admiration. Frustrated and jealous, he falls into moments of real despair. When he writes his first story, he runs to Baba, hoping he will read them and see he has some value. Instead, his father turns away. It is Baba's friend Rahim Khan who takes the time to read and encourage the young boy.

Winter in Kabul was a magic time for the boys. Hours spent playing cards and days spent building the kites for the annual Kite Festival, a high point of the season. Hassan is a kite runner, one of hundreds who go out and chase down the captive kites taken during the tournament. But Hassan's talent is unique. He seems to sense where a kite will land well ahead of others.

When Amir happens to peek at his father one day, he suddenly knows how to capture his love. He must win the tournament. What happens at the tournament and after changes the boys lives forever. Both will bear deep and abiding scars all the rest of their days.

By the time the Russian invasion rolled over Afghanistan, Baba and Amir are living in the United States. Living in greatly reduced circumstances, they still manage to live a full and loving life. Though Baba longs for a return to Kabul, Amir is happy in San Francisco. He marries a beautiful Afghan women, Soraya. His first novel is published, and his wife teaches at the local school. Their lives are replete with love and affection for each other and their extended families.

The greatest disappointment for them is their failure to produce babies. Hard on the heels of this failure, Amir learns his Baba is dying of cancer. The author in depicting the communal love and support of Amir's family and friends, truly shines. The often wry humor, the vibrant excess of emotions, and the deep abiding faith of the Afghani peoples, left me smiling with pleasure and affection.

After Baba's death, Amir gets a call from Rahid to return to Afghanistan. The child of an old friend is orphaned and needs help. Reluctantly Amir embarks on a journey the takes him into the heart of truth and ultimately sets him free from past guilts.

For when he encounters the horror and devastation of his native land, something deep within him wakens. And when Rahim tells him the truth about his parents, he finally begins the long difficult journey into a better life.

Khaled Hosseini has taken us on a journey of enlightenment and self discovery. In this, his debut novel, he has created characters so richly drawn, so true to life, that they linger in the mind long after the book has been placed on a shelf.

His compassion and wisdom, humor and love inform every word. If you're looking for a deeply human and humane book, free of politics and preaching, then don't miss this epic first novel.

Comments: 13

Samantha H. Jul 20, 2007, 11:09pm EDT

He's quickly becoming one of my favorite new authors. Have you read A Thousand Splendid Suns? It almost knocked me over. I can't wait for his next book.

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Jennifer St.Antoine Jul 20, 2007, 11:12pm EDT

I loved this book, too~ It was particularly awesome listening to it as he read it himself.

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Froggy G. Jul 20, 2007, 11:18pm EDT

Samantha, I just read and reviewed A Thousand Splendid Suns. It cut to the bone with its sharp reminders about how these women have to live. He is a wondreful writer, and his books truly made an impact on my heart.

By the way, there's a wondreful site called Shelfari, where book lovers display all their favorite books, add reviews and even form discussion groups!

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Froggy G. Jul 20, 2007, 11:20pm EDT

Jennifer that must have been an amazing experience. Thanks to you, I'll have to buy the audio version just to listen to this lovely novel being read by Dr. Hosseini.

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Froggy G. Jul 20, 2007, 11:23pm EDT

Angela, did you find Miriams reaction to wearing the burq interesting? I did, because I'd never viewed it quite the way she came to view it. I left this book feeling sad for her. She never really had a chance did she?

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Haim Kadman Jul 21, 2007, 3:49am EDT

Although I read this book I think your review is an impressive reminder to what I've read, and what I've missed.

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Jennifer F. Jul 21, 2007, 12:48pm EDT

I liked the way the book ended. It was neither a happy nor a sad ending. There was no miracle psychological healing or unrealistic happy turn of events. It was a realistic ending. Hopeful, but at the same time, recognizing the character's pasts as important and lasting, as all of our pasts are to us. I loved the book.

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carol s. Jul 23, 2007, 11:17pm EDT

I have a copy and hope to read it soon. Thanks for the review.

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Froggy G. Jul 28, 2007, 6:19am EDT

Jennifer I loved that aspect of The Kite Runner too. Everything about the story resonated with me. From the all too human frailties and fears, to the deep and abiding love. I guess it showed us the truth: That we all like to believe we would be brave and heroic when the time comes, but that many times we simply aren't.

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Froggy G. Jul 28, 2007, 6:22am EDT

Haim, thank you! I think this is a book that can be picked up and re-read, where we can often find things we might have missed in the first reading. A Thousand Splendid Suns is another one that touches the soul and calls for many readings-like many of your stories my friend.

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Froggy G. Jul 28, 2007, 6:23am EDT

You're welcome Carol. Let us know what you think after reading it! It has a discussion guide in the back, though many of their suggested points, are not ones I'd choose.

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