The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

In his debut novel The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy Amir and his father’s young servant Hassan. Rated best seller by the New York Times this international classic is set in a country in the process of being destroyed. The narrative was published in 2003 by Riverhead Trade and later made into a film in 2007 by Paramount Pictures.
Hosseini’s purpose for writing the novel was to depict ideas about universal qualities in the midst of foreign culture. The relationships are dynamic, exploring issues of pride, prejudice, love and regret. The story take place amongst a series of turbulent events in Afghanistan including, the fall of the country’s monarchy through Soviet Union intervention,
Protagonist Amir narrates the decade old story. In first person point of view the he gives a clear cut account of how he experienced the series of events. The tone is remorseful, expressing atonement throughout the story. The story is past tense extending to flashbacks set from 1975 through 2001.
Amir is the son of a wealthy merchant Baba, they have two servants Ali and Hassan. An unlikely friendship blossoms between Amir and Hassan. However, Amir is troubled by a guilty conscience over insults aimed at his friend Hassan. The guilt escalates over a kite -flying contest.
The intricate affair of kite flying is popular in Afghanistan, involving special glass string which other participants use to sever strings of other kites. Kite flyers not only have to have the last kite standing, but also have to catch the final kite they cut. During the end of a kite contest Amir sees the mistreatment of Hassan, who is by far the best kite runner at the hand of the antagonist Assef. Ashamed to help his dear friend Amir, suffers from the consequences of his
At the beginning of the novel we find Amir trying to redeem himself in his father’s eyes because he feels responsible for the death of his mother. The more significant search for redemption is center around the guilt regarding Hassan. Later in the novel Amir redeems himself by having the courage to stand up for what is right.
Commentary
A successful aspect of the novel is the characterization. The main character Amir transforms from a coward boy to courageous man willing to risk his life for Hassan’s son Sohrab. There is controversy amongst some readers because the antagonist is one -dimensional, not showing and sign of change. Although the novel is through first person narrative which only allow the narrator’s viewpoint. For the duration of the story Amir narrates with intersection of another pivotal character midway through the story in chapter sixteen.
The Kite Runner is an authentic story about two young boys whose friendship is tested by betrayal. The memories of happier times, overcome the separation and loyalty of Hassan’s true friendship makes the novel. I would recommend this book to other reader because of it’s success and use of literary devices. Not only does it capture the minds of its readers but their hearts