The Kite Runner: A spoiler-free book review.

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Author: Khaled Hosseini.

Genre: (Fiction) Coming-of-Age, Family Drama, War Drama, Semi-autobiographical.

Page Count: 372

Book synopsis: Growing up in Kabul, Amir and Hassan are inseparable friends. As an adult living in California, Amir remains haunted by a childhood incident in which he betrayed Hassan’s trust. When he learns that the Taliban has murdered Hassan and wife, Amir returns to his homeland to learn the fate of the couple’s son.

Movie Adaptation: The Kite Runner (2007).

Here is a review that'll make you want to read this one. Atleast I'll make sure it does!

Let me put forth a simple warning before you go any further… this one is a Masterpiece! (Or at least I think so!). If you’d want to start reading or are looking for fresh options(or rather, are tired of the common genres) this is definitely a start!

The language/ text just flows smoothly and is really very down-to-earth. The reading is easier as it gets but what’s tough is the turmoil of emotions it takes you through throughout the experience.

Here’s how it starts (Chapter 1):

”I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the frozen creek. That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years. ”

The depth and complexities of human relationships is highlighted and executed so well, it almost touches your soul! This book would definitely be a book you’d remember when you’re 80!

Set in Afghanistan, and then In America, Khaled manages to give the piece a pretty homely feel(you may definitely feel this once you pick the book up, especially if you live in an around the western subcontinent). Whenever I feel home-sick, I pick either this one up or Harry Potter.

It captures the effect of war on people, and it troubles you to think what’s happening on this side of the world while you are enjoying the comforts of luxury and soft sheets.

The descriptions of the characters are so real, it touches the soul:

“I can still see his tiny lowset ears and that pointed stub of a chin, a meaty appendage that looked like it was added as a mere afterthought. And the cleft lip, just left of midline, where the Chinese doll maker’s instrument may have slipped; or perhaps he had simply grown tired and careless.”
If this book doesn’t get you reading all of Khaled’s other works, I don’t know what will! (I wish he’d write more!).

The story is entirely fictional, but it involves locations Khaled has grown up in. He succeeds to give a ”real” feel to the book with his characters.

This is definitely a book I’d recommend if u want to start “reading” reading.
Also, if this book doesn’t manage to scar you, we wouldn’t make good friends!

Obviously I’d recommend reading the book first. Watching the movie is up to you! (Let me be honest, the movie is not that of a big deal [And I don’t say this because it’s a small-budget film!] ) .

Warning: Contains certain mortifying contents. The journey itself is a turmoil. This book is definitely one of my most favourite.

Ratings:

Critics: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I’d rate it: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥