The kite runner by Khaled Hosseini

Book Summary

The Kite Runner is a powerful novel set in Afghanistan, spanning the tumultuous period from the 1970s to the early 2000s. The story revolves around Amir, a privileged boy from Kabul, and his loyal friend Hassan, the son of his father’s servant.

The novel begins with Amir’s childhood, marked by friendship, betrayal, and a pivotal kite-fighting tournament. After a tragic event that changes their lives, Amir and his father flee to the United States as Afghanistan falls into political chaos. Years later, Amir returns to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to face his past, seek redemption, and rescue Hassan’s son, Sohrab.

Themes of guilt, redemption, and the complex father-son relationship are central to the story, as Amir wrestles with the consequences of his choices and the scars of betrayal. The novel also explores the deep-rooted cultural, political, and social upheavals in Afghanistan.

About the Author: Khaled Hosseini

Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American novelist and physician, best known for his emotionally resonant storytelling and vivid portrayal of Afghan culture.

• Born: March 4, 1965, in Kabul, Afghanistan

• Notable Works:

  • The Kite Runner (2003)

  • A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007)

  • And the Mountains Echoed (2013)

Hosseini’s novels have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His writing often reflects his own experiences as an immigrant and his deep connection to Afghanistan’s history and people.

The Kite Runner was adapted into a film in 2007, further cementing its status as a modern literary classic.