The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini and published in 2003, is an emotional story that explores the complexity of life and relationships. The novel follows Amir, a young boy from Kabul who must come to terms with complicated family dynamics, betrayal, and redemption.
The relationship between father and son is a major theme throughout the novel. Amir’s father is distant and unapproachable; he does not understand his son’s sensitivities or his love for literature. Even so, Amir still yearns for his father’s approval. As the novel progresses however, Amir comes to understand that he must take responsibility for his own actions rather than relying on someone else’s approval or acceptance.
The loyalty between friends is also explored in great detail throughout the novel. Amir’s best friend Hassan remains fiercely loyal to him even when Amir abandons him at a critical moment. Later on in the story, when Hassan’s son Sohrab needs help escaping Taliban captivity, it is left to Amir to rescue him—a reminder that loyalty demands reciprocity if it is to remain strong.
“For you, a thousand times over”
Identity plays an important role in The Kite Runner as well. This is particularly true when it comes to exploring ethnic divide within Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation of 1979-1989. One example of this can be seen when Hassan says “I am nothing but a Hazara,” implying that he feels ostracized from mainstream Afghan society due to his ethnicity. Identity also plays a role in Amir’s journey towards redemption; through his experiences with Sohrab he begins to learn about himself and gain a better understanding of what it means to be an Afghan living abroad.
The book is full of quotable quotes about love, loss, and loyalty. I read the book many times and each one, I cried buckets because of the beauty and darkness of these boys’ journey. At one point I blamed the author for writing it.
“Children aren’t coloring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite colors.”
“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime…”
“Not a word passes between us, not because we have nothing to say, but because we don’t have to say anything”
“Time can be a greedy thing-sometimes it steals the details for itself.”
The Kite Runner offers readers an opportunity to explore complex issues such as family relationships, loyalty and identity through the lens of one man’s journey towards redemption. Khaled Hosseini has crafted a powerful narrative that highlights both the beauty and darkness of human nature while simultaneously emphasizing how difficult yet rewarding it can be for individuals to confront their past mistakes and confront themselves with courage and honesty. For these reasons alone, this book should definitely be read by any reader interested in delving into themes of love, loss, identity and redemption told through an engaging story set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan during the 20th century.
AWARDS
Book Sense Bestseller List Sensation
Boeke Prize
Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Award
ALA Notable Book
Alex Award
Borders Original Voices Award, 2003
Entertainment Weekly’s Best Book, 2003
San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year, 2003
Literature to Life Award
First Edition:
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: Riverbeds Books
Publication date: May 29, 2003
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