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Book Review of The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner
The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 1458 more book reviews


A wonderful read - thought-provoking and powerful. Key characters are Amir, son of a relatively wealthy and somewhat popular entrepreneur, and Hassan, a servant boy whose father was a boy with Ali's father. As the story unfolds, Ali finds himself betraying his best friend and the friendship fades, particularly on Ali's part.

Hassan is the best kite runner in Kabul. In competition, boys fly kites with tar coated strings studded with glass pieces to cut the strings of other kites. The winner is the last kite flying. It is during a competition that Ali finds himself betraying his friend.

The author depicts Afghan life as it was in the 70s. The Taliban come, welcomed by the populace who later discover that life under their rule is not what they hoped. A sad and heart-warming tale, the characters are well developed. This is a story of survival and friendship. A highly recommended read for those who wish to better understand our world.