Running Away for the Kite Reasons

By Anthony M.

     Khaled Hosseini's first novel, The Kite Runner, is an interesting novel about the search for redemption and the power of familial bonds. The story follows Amir, a young Afghan boy who struggles with finding his identity and fit within the world. Set mainly in Afghanistan, Hosseini tells the story of Amir both in his youth and his adult life. Amir makes a decision to ignore a horrendous crime and is haunted by it for the rest of his life. He commits his own crimes and eventually leaves his home for America, where he lives in endless guilt, until he ultimately returns to Afghanistan. The title of the novel is inspired by the dueling completion many young Afghans take place in where the two competitors fly kites and try to cut the other's down. The winner of each match receives the loser's kite and then certain boys, called kite runners, chase down the trophy.

     Khaled Hosseini gives the world an insider look at Afghan culture through this thrilling novel. The story is not necessarily action-packed, but Hosseini utilizes the perfect amount of suspense and keeps the readers actively engaged throughout. Hosseini expertly paces this story through different flashbacks and narrative structures so that there is rarely a dull moment. The story is so fascinating that the length of the text and any minor flaws can be easily overlooked. This critically-acclaimed novel does feature some themes and scenes, however, that does not make it appropriate for all ages. Even as a young adult, some of the events in this novel were uncomfortable to experience. But, Hosseini purposefully crossed the line. If he did not, the world would not obtain an authentic view of the culture and lifestyles that he himself was exposed to as a child. It is necessary to create discomfort because too many times the world ignores the things they do not like or understand. Hosseini makes it very clear what happens and what the atmosphere is like in Afghanistan, which ultimately opens the eyes of many readers, including my own.

     Often times people shy away from stories about the Middle East and neglect the thriving cultures that exist there simply because they do not understand and do not care to change. This must-read novel will hopefully cure the ignorance of some of those people and expose the them to something new. This book is incredibly interesting, however, it is not for the young or faint of heart. Anyone old enough for college should certainly consider this timeless masterpiece.

The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini, 2003, 371 pages