The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

I did not read this book instead of doing homework as I have read so many others. This book was homework, and as required reading, I put it off for as long as possible.

I very deeply regret this.

The Kite Runner is the heart-wrenching story of Amir, an intelligent boy who grows up in Afghanistan before and during the Russian invasion. This era of political conflict serves as a backdrop for Amir's story of love, confliction, loyalty, and betrayal. Amir is the son of one of Kabul's most respected and successful men. His family has consorted with the king, but Amir's best friend is his servant Hassan.

The two boys share the bond that comes from being nursed at the same breast. Their relationship is that of brothers, but because of their class, ethnic, and religious differences, Amir has trouble seeing Hassan as his best friend. While Hassan is unwaveringly loyal to Amir, Amir excludes Hassan when other children are present and ridicules Hassan's illiteracy. Nevertheless, Hassan again and again proves his loyalty, but when Amir's worth and loyalty is tested, to his own repulsion, he fails. Amir says himself that this single event makes him who he is. He spends the rest of his life trying to redeem himself for his act of betrayal and the events that follow.

The result is a novel that is both unpleasant and engaging. At moments the story is so painful to read that I nearly put it down, but I had to discover how Amir would redeem himself. If I left it there, unresolved, I myself would feel unreconciled.

While discussing the book in class, one of my classmates, who boasted at already having finished the book, stated as fact that “Amir is an asshole.” I winced. The statement is not entirely untrue, but I wondered how she could say that so decidedly after spending 371 pages inside his head, sharing his anguish. This is one of those books that forces you to look in the mirror and really wonder if you wouldn't have done the same as Amir, even knowing what a wicked thing it was to do.

This book is definitely not a light read and should not be entered upon lightly. If you do take up this book (and I recommend you do), be sure to prepare yourself for an emotional journey. Allow yourself to grow through Amir's experiences. Even as different as it may be from your own, I am sure you will find at least one point at which you can relate to this story.

This book depicts some extreme violence and subject matter that may not be appropriate for some readers. Were this book a film rated in America, it would probably receive an R rating. Please take this into consideration.