The Kite Runner in CSS 8.3 and 8.4

Nov 18, 2013 Ryleigh rated it it was amazing

“For you, a thousand times over.”

Heart wrenching, profound, and intense, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini stole my attention and refused to return it until the last page was turned. Transporting me to a realm parallel to my existence, I experienced a new world bursting with worldviews, culture, and kites. Based in Afghanistan, and the United States, I am exposed to a way of living very different from my own. Following the life of a boy competing for his father’s attention, struggling with gr “For you, a thousand times over.”

Heart wrenching, profound, and intense, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini stole my attention and refused to return it until the last page was turned. Transporting me to a realm parallel to my existence, I experienced a new world bursting with worldviews, culture, and kites. Based in Afghanistan, and the United States, I am exposed to a way of living very different from my own. Following the life of a boy competing for his father’s attention, struggling with grief and tragedy, risking his life for redemption, and much more, The Kite Runner is well-written and expressive. Amir is a troubled boy trying to cope with past mistakes and current vulnerabilities, and his emotions are raw and exposed to the reader.

What makes this book so haunting is that it gave us a glance of the magnificent life Amir, Hassan, and their families’ lived before snatching it away and replacing it with guilt, war, and poverty. Amir’s most important friendship being torn apart at the seams, his childhood slashed to shreds, leaving his childhood home, his trip back to Afghanistan, and more, were all confirmation of the evident tragedy in this book. Back in America, Amir finds love, although misfortune follows it, and his relationship with father strengthens. His trip to Afghanistan is in attempt to right his wrongs, and ultimately ends in uncertainty and deflated hopes. At the end of the book, we find that there is may be optimism for the characters involved; “It was only a smile. Nothing more.” Every great success is followed with adversity but in the end, the last mysterious problem seems to be at the verge of being solved. There is a sense of constant hardship that leads to complete engagement and intrigue in this book. Even after the last page is turned, I wonder about what happens to the characters, and how last occurrences will change the their lives forever.

My only concerns for this book is that at points it draws away from the main plot, to explore issues that may not relate completely to the novel. For example, the book talks about Amir with his father at the opening of the orphanage, and him with his father at the lake. Although it does reflect the loneliness Amir feels as well as the pride he has for being Baba’s son, it does not overall contribute to the plot. These sections are interesting to read, but would be my only criticism of the book. And a small criticism at that.

In The Kite Runner, the plot is well thought-out and jerks at my emotions constantly. I read about Amir’s childhood spent with Hassan, schoolwork, and kite competitions, and we experience the serene moments of Amir’s life; swinging on the pomegranate trees with Hassan and playing cards on snowy days. But soon those days are gone when Amir chooses to abandon his best friend in a time of great need. Afterwards we see the consequences, to his family, to his friends, and to his life. Not long after, he flees with his father to Afghanistan, and encounters new troubles there as well. He finds love, but it is riddled with difficulty, he and his father come to terms with each other, but are torn apart once again. It seems as though for every stroke of good fortune Amir has, there is, in turn, hardship as well. This made me speculate on what will happen next, what is going to happen when we turn the next page.

Amir is a well-developed character who matures throughout the book. At the beginning, I felt he was a struggling boy with flaws (protagonists usually do have them). His constant seeking of approval and love from his father leaves him somewhat bitter at times and struggles to see the right and moral choice. As the book progresses he becomes responsible, dependable, and virtuous. Amir’s growth throughout the book shows great plot design and makes the story flourish. Hassan’s goodness throughout the book, shown by his constant loyalty, kindness, and integrity makes his character one of my favorites. Other characters, such as Baba, Soraya, and Sohrab, add emotion and substance to the overall story. These characters add element of internal battle, hardship, and love. Amir’s relationships with all the characters are intense and strengthen the book as a whole.

The Kite Runner is a well-written and haunting book, with strongly developed characters and a gripping plot. With a plethora of emotions, both positive and negative, I experience the life of an unsettled boy filled with guilt and grief, who throughout the book matures into a young man with talent and love. There are elements of adventure, social issues, and romance, exploring many different issues and difficulties. Five stars are what I have given The Kite Runner; this novel fully deserves every star it has earned. Khaled Hosseini has written a well-executed, eloquent novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In this book I am transported to a world containing grief, guilt, war, and tragedy. I also experience love, happiness, redemption, and loyalty. “Attention shifted to him like sunflowers turning to the sun.” And the readers’ attention shifts to The Kite Runner as soon as the first page is turned. ...more

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