Reads: The Kite Runner
10:30 AM
Not only am I behind on my 2013 Goodreads reading challenge, I am behind at posting reviews. WHATEVER. I had read A Thousand Splendid Suns (by the same author) two years prior,so I knew what I was getting into with this book. I still cried.
Broke into three different parts, The Kite Runner tells the story of two close friends; Amir, a wealthy Pushtun boy, and his servant Hassaun, a Hazara. They are the same age, and live on the same property with their fathers. Hassaun's father is also a servant, but, like Hassaun, he is well-loved by the family and considered a family member, despite their different social statuses and roles in society. Amir and Hassaun have vast differences, different backgrounds, different education (or lack their of, for Hassaun), and different lifestyles. However, they share the same passion for stories, playing games, and of course, kite fighting. In Kabul, 1974, kite fighting is the highlight of of the winter season for Amir and Hassaun, until one incident drastically changes their relationship.
Five years later, Amir and his father Baba decide to leave Kabul after the Soviet Union invades Afghanistan. They make for Fremont, California to start their lives basically from scratch. During this time, Amir realizes that he may never live up to his father's expectations of himself. He does however grow up, while dealing with the many difficulties that life throws at him, but he never really stops thinking about Hassaun. Amir eventually decides to return to Kabul to visit an old friend who is in need, only to learn that the Kabul he once knew has changed greatly.
Trying my best to not give away any spoilers here, but this book really was wonderful in so many ways. The critical reception of it will tell you that, however, I really loved the relationships between so many of the characters, and a personal (if still fictional) experience with the vast changes Afghanistan went through in just a few decades. I think my favorite aspect of the novel was the fact that Baba reminded me of my own father in many ways. A hard worker, who wants what is best for his child. But when he hung up a poster of Ronald Reagan and Amir rolled his eyes (inwardly), that nailed it.
The book is a fast-read, and I highly recommend it. That is if you haven't already read it :P
8 Musings
I could use a good fast read right now. Been reading so many baby books I need some fiction!
ReplyDeletei love this book. if i amt hinking correctly, they also made a movie out of it...but i never saw it. i might need to read it again!
ReplyDeletewhat a touching story. his journey is very interesting. sounds like a terrific book. i'm currently reading something now. so far behind, but hopefully i will have reviews next month. it happens to all of us.
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I've always wanted to read this, but its still on my list. Loved your review!
ReplyDeleteOur library has this as one of their book clubs..so you can really learn a lot from this novel. Great that you read and reviewed it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an intense read - but a good intense. A relationship-driven intense. :)
ReplyDeleteI read A Thousand Splendid Suns a few years ago but have yet to pick up The Kite Runner, definitely adding it back to my list though, I've heard it's absolutely incredible :)
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I saw the movie of this and liked it. I don't know if I will read the book but so many people seem to love it!!! Hmmmmmm. Maybe! I am sorry to hear you are behind on your goodreads goal. Rob is too and he's got such a small goal but hasn't had much time to read since he works so much.
ReplyDeleteTalk nerdy to me.