I read The Kite Runner a few years ago but the story, the plot and the characters are still fresh in my mind. Khaled Hosseini created an unforgettable novel as his debut in 2003 which has left an everlasting imprint on my heart and soul.
It's the story of a young boy named Amir of Kabul who is desperate for his father's approval- however slow - if he ever receives it. He becomes quick friends with his father’s servants son, Hassan, and their bond becomes stronger than brothers. The boys are growing up and navigating their world through turbulent events during the rise and fall of political regimes in Afghanistan. Devastating actions caused by alleyway bullies, their friendship dynamic changes and leaves Amir forever indebted to Hassan.
There was so much heaviness in my heart that it took me a while to fully comprehend this book and the plot. It was a book which made me re-evaluate what was important in life, what I thought I knew, values, morals and ethics. Usually when I read, I imagine myself in the shoes of the protagonist. However, I was extremely challenged to do that with this novel. I didn't know how I could put myself in Hassan or Amir's shoes and imagine the turmoils they went through.
Being blessed to have lived my entire life in Australia and to have not experienced the terror and brutal impacts of war, this book served as reminder of how lucky my life has been just based on the nation of my birth and upbringing. The strength (mostly mental) of the characters is something that I will be in awe of and strive towards when faced with smaller and somewhat insignificant challenges in my life. Although fictional, the story and plot told in The Kite Runner is the harsh reality for so many young boys growing up in turbulent nations.
'for you, a thousand times over'
I found that the characters were well-developed to the point where a reader would be able to feel an emotional connection to each of them. The strengths and weaknesses of each person was highlighted and challenged along with how the endurance - or moreso - the avoidance of guilt was developed.
Khaled Hosseini has compassionately created a painful and heartbreaking tale which has become a well-renowned modern classic. The Kite Runner is not for everyone, but there is surely something for everyone in this heartbreaking yet magnificent novel.
Completed: December 2018
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