The Kite Runner Paperback - 2004
by Khaled Hosseini
About this book
Hosseini’s first novel takes place in Afghanistan and spans over several decades. The story follows the life of Amir, a young boy from a wealthy family, and his friend Hassan, the son of his father's servant. Despite their different social backgrounds, the two boys have a close friendship and bond over their love for kite fighting. However, after witnessing a traumatic event, Amir betrays Hassan, causing their friendship to fall apart.
The novel then follows Amir's journey as he grows up, moves to America, and tries to come to terms with his past actions. When Amir returns to Afghanistan as an adult, he must confront his guilt and make amends for his past mistakes. Throughout the story, Hosseini explores themes of redemption, betrayal, and the power of friendship. He also sheds light on the cultural and historical context of Afghanistan, including the impact of the Soviet invasion, the rise of the Taliban, and the mass exodus of Afghan refugees to the United States. Overall, "The Kite Runner" is a poignant and powerful story about personal growth, forgiveness, and the human experience. It was adapted into a film in 2007.
Reader reviews for The Kite Runner
Review summary
Readers largely found The Kite Runner emotionally demanding yet compelling, praising Hosseini’s clear prose, memorable characters, and a vivid sense of Kabul across decades. Many valued its intimate view of Afghan life and its focus on guilt, friendship, and attempts at redemption, though several felt the historical context is sketched rather than analyzed. Common critiques cite an unlikeable, passive narrator whose atonement feels incomplete, heavy reliance on coincidences and telegraphed twists, and a Taliban depiction some saw as reductive. The depictions of violence and assault prompted frequent content warnings. While many recommend it, others were put off by the melodrama or the style.
Readers say this book is:
emotionally intensepage-turnervivid settingheartbreakingredemptivegraphic contentpredictablemelodramaticdivisive protagonistbeautifully writtenWrite a review for this book
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First edition identification
Riverhead published a First US Edition, First Printing hardcover in 2033, New York.
Bloomsbury Publishing published a First UK Edition, First Printing hardcover in 2003, London.
Details
- Title The Kite Runner
- Author Khaled Hosseini
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Reprint
- Pages 336
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, London
- Publication date 2004
- ISBN 9780747566533 / 0747566534
- Reading level 840
- Category Pop Arts / Pop Culture
- Dewey Decimal Code 791.43
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The Kite Runner
by Hosseini, Khaled
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