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Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner
In "The Kite Runner," history and personal responsibility come together in the story of Amir, an Afghan boy who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend Hassan, the son of his father's servant. In the background loom the many tumultuous changes that have gripped Afghanistan in the years since Amir's carefree kite-flying childhood. From the fall of the monarchy through the Soviet invasion to the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States to the rise of the Taliban regime, the story of Amir and Hassan emerges as the story of Afghanistan itself. The engaging new guide to this modern-day classic features an annotated bibliography, a listing of other works by the author, and an introduction by noted literary scholar Harold Bloom.
ebook
First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Harold Bloom
1,666Ìýbooks1,878ÌýfollowersHarold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 10, 2020
Perfect angsty sad awesome beautiful book
February 25, 2020
What a beautifully written historical fiction. The story of Amir and Hassan told before and during the period of regime change in Afghanistan captured the turmoil and turbulence that the world was ignorant of. The rich tradition and culture of Afghanistan was seamlessly woven into the story without it reading like a history text book.
Revelations after revelations were dropped nonchalantly into the story and I marvel at the simplicity and ingenuity of it. It was also a sombre read and made me think about the choices we made and the unimaginable repercussions .
Revelations after revelations were dropped nonchalantly into the story and I marvel at the simplicity and ingenuity of it. It was also a sombre read and made me think about the choices we made and the unimaginable repercussions .
June 11, 2021
Although this story of an Afghan American’s life has few similarities to my own life, many themes, such as loss of innocence, guilt over inaction, family duty and systemic racism, are relatable.
February 9, 2021
I think that the Kite Runner is a novel that has a lot of in depth description. It follows the life of a sunni muslim named Amir and his journey of finding his place in the world. The imagery in the first chapter can still be remembered because of how impactful it was. In my opinion, I think that the storyline is well written and the plot is developed which helps with evoking certain emotions, especially nostalgia and remorse.
February 5, 2021
Oh My God! This is one of my all time favorite book. What an amazing novel this is! Khaled Hosseini has actually put a lot of effort in his first novel. The language is very simple, the story is too emotional but does end with a happy note. Two friends which start their journey in Afghanistan and then Taliban takes over . There are moments in the book where there is blood, brutal deaths, sad story of Afghanistan. There are moments where you feel like crying.
Worth Reading...
Rating- 5/5
Worth Reading...
Rating- 5/5
April 27, 2021
I had to read this book in high school. It was the only one I read ahead of the class because I loved it so much. I could hardly put the book down, that good.
March 18, 2021
Amir is twelve years old, the son of a wealthy and well to do Afghan business man, the similarly aged Hassan is the son of the family’s low-caste servant. Both boys are motherless. The two boys have been together since birth, and as well as being a servant to Amir, Hassan is a loyal and faithful friend, they always play together and Hassan will do absolutely anything for Amir. Amir though struggles with his relationship with his father, feeling he does meets his fathers expectations, and he is jealous of the place Hassan appears to have in his (Amir’s) father’s heart. Amir sees the local kite-fighting tournament as a way of winning his fathers approval, and Hassan is more than willing to help him, but subsequent events do not turn out as expected, and Amir’s behaviour does something that will irreversibly change their seemingly idyllic lives.
With the invasion of the Russians Amir and his father escape to the USA, leaving everything behind beyond the few personal possessions they can carry. While they try to build a new life in the States Amir is never at peace with himself, constantly troubled by his actions back in Afghanistan. When a call comes for him to return to his homeland, with perhaps a chance to find redemption, how will he act?
This is a superbly crafted story, captivating from the very start. Amir who narrates events is disarmingly honest even about his own failures and short comings, and the other characters are beautifully drawn. Hassan is especially endearing, his trusting and unquestioning loyalty to Amir brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes.
The story is full of surprises, not always pleasant for the participants, and some of the events are harrowing, even horrifying, but such is the reality of life. While at times disturbing these form an essential part of the story. By contrast there are many beautifully tender and heart-rending moving moments.
Khaled Hosseini writes with a mastery of the English Language which puts to shame many whose native tongue is English. He has produced a most powerful, moving and honest story; all the more so for its convincing ring of truth and credibility. It is this plausibility which makes the story at times so disturbing; but for the very same reason it ranks as one of the most deeply, profoundly moving and compassionate books I have read; a masterpiece.
With the invasion of the Russians Amir and his father escape to the USA, leaving everything behind beyond the few personal possessions they can carry. While they try to build a new life in the States Amir is never at peace with himself, constantly troubled by his actions back in Afghanistan. When a call comes for him to return to his homeland, with perhaps a chance to find redemption, how will he act?
This is a superbly crafted story, captivating from the very start. Amir who narrates events is disarmingly honest even about his own failures and short comings, and the other characters are beautifully drawn. Hassan is especially endearing, his trusting and unquestioning loyalty to Amir brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes.
The story is full of surprises, not always pleasant for the participants, and some of the events are harrowing, even horrifying, but such is the reality of life. While at times disturbing these form an essential part of the story. By contrast there are many beautifully tender and heart-rending moving moments.
Khaled Hosseini writes with a mastery of the English Language which puts to shame many whose native tongue is English. He has produced a most powerful, moving and honest story; all the more so for its convincing ring of truth and credibility. It is this plausibility which makes the story at times so disturbing; but for the very same reason it ranks as one of the most deeply, profoundly moving and compassionate books I have read; a masterpiece.
February 5, 2021
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini is a tumultuous read of brotherhood, betrayal, forgiveness, violence, and everything in between. The main character, Amir, is a young boy who grew up in Afghanistan during a time of peace with his best friend, the serving boy whose father had served Amir's father before hime. In his teenage years Amir's world is turned upside down. Friendships are betrayed and lives, as well as an entire country, are thrown into violent chaos. Through all of this and into his adult life in the United States, Amir wrestles with loss and guilt as he attempts to make the best of what he has left. Life will never be the same.
This book is an unfiltered portrayal of the worst, best, and most average parts of humanity. The internal struggles that the reader is privy to through Amir are both difficult to read and entirely relatable. In a classroom this book has much to offer in analyzing novel organization. It flips between many different places in a single timeline for the sake of events that happened apart and yet are most relevant to each other. I would use this text as an example of unique writing which strives for visceral connections by playing with organization.
This book is an unfiltered portrayal of the worst, best, and most average parts of humanity. The internal struggles that the reader is privy to through Amir are both difficult to read and entirely relatable. In a classroom this book has much to offer in analyzing novel organization. It flips between many different places in a single timeline for the sake of events that happened apart and yet are most relevant to each other. I would use this text as an example of unique writing which strives for visceral connections by playing with organization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
The story of childhood innocence of class and rank, the sure but poignant breaking of bonds forged in childhood by the arrangement of the world by adults. Heartbreaking story of Afghanistan's modern history and the cultural laws that that can never be broken. A wonderful story, I don't want to see the film as the book is so powerful I do not want anyone elses characters rendition to impact on my own.
February 9, 2021
An amazing story about the relationship between father and son, and a boy and best friend. The struggle between admiration, loyalty, and self worth Amir deals with is heartbreaking.
The Kite Runner has been sitting on my bookshelf for years. I was kept putting off reading it, thinking I would not be too interested in the story....how wrong was I? This is one of my favorites now.
Strongly recommended.
The Kite Runner has been sitting on my bookshelf for years. I was kept putting off reading it, thinking I would not be too interested in the story....how wrong was I? This is one of my favorites now.
Strongly recommended.
February 27, 2021
I took this book rather personally. I was not fond of the main character Amir. The awful treatment of individuals was hard for me to read because I've lived through much of the Taliban take-over albeit from afar. Amir loses A LOT of people in his life which made me sad for him, yet he is not completely innocent. Did he really find redemption or am I being too judgmental? It truly is a deeply haunting novel.
November 2, 2024
I really loved this book. It was so rich in description, and steeped in history, I felt like I was a true life observer. It was tear jerking, and got right to the meat of how things are in different countries and cultures. I love this Authors writing style. It’s smooth reading, easy to understand and descriptive. It gives a good idea of how life is in other countries and cultures, and is eye opening to some of us who never have traveled out of country or out of our own comfort zones.
February 3, 2021
Heart wrenching!!!
Read
February 15, 2021really liked
July 26, 2021
Read this many years ago but it still stays with me
September 15, 2021
Powerful and moving story!
December 13, 2021
Excellent read.
June 30, 2024
Very good but I read it was I was too young for it.
March 31, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Such a moving story.
March 25, 2021
I read this book a long time ago.....a very good book
November 4, 2021
A book that’s hard to read and sticks with you. It will forever be one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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