The Kite Runner

THE KITE RUNNER: Khaled Hosseini: Riverhead Books: fiction: 324 pages
Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel follows the heartbreaking tale of two Afghani boys whose friendship is torn apart by a tragedy. Growing up in Kabul in the 1970s, Amir and Hassan, the son of Amir’s father’s servant, are inseparable. On the day of the annual kite flying contest, Amir betrays Hassan and, ashamed of his actions, eventually forces Hassan and his father to leave their home. As an adult living in America, Amir is haunted by his disloyalty to Hassan and returns to Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s son from the Taliban.

In beautifully written language, Hosseini explores betrayal, redemption, friendship and the price attached to each. Well constructed characters and a thoughtful narrative make this a powerful and emotional reading experience. Those interested in Afghanistan and recent political events there will find this a particularly interesting read, but the moving story will appeal to readers of all types.

MBC