The Kite Runner. (Book Review #17)

Introduction:

          The Kite Runner is a book which I had heard about since a decade. I was always intrigued about the story but never thought of finally taking it up. And when I did, it blew my mind. After reading Khaled Hosseini’s ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns‘, I loved his writing style and his profound ability to tell a story. And this novel is not an exception. I don’t rate many books at 5 stars and this one I did. Usually, I don’t feel right to review such masterpieces. But I loved this book and expressing my view on this one is something I feel privileged of doing. For a change, I’ll not be reviewing this by my usual method. Instead I’ll paint a picture which will make you read this splendid novel. There are no spoilers. I’m just going to throw some sentences about my new bond with the book.

Characters:

          Amir who is the protagonist is born in Afghanistan. He worships his father. He loves having Hassan around but also likes to test his loyalty unnecessarily. Eventually, Amir becomes a novelist who loves his job.
Hassan worships Amir. He treats him like his best friend and even more of a brother. He always stands up for his Amir agha no matter the consequences. He is the most loyal, sweet and adorable person to have in someone’s life.
Soraya (Amir’s wife) is a supportive, loving and understanding life partner to Amir. She’s almost too good for him.
Sohrab (Hassan’s son) is just like his father. From looks to interests, they’re very similar. They both know how to love people, embrace changes and respect every person.

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Thoughts:

I can’t give you any hint about the story because it’ll just take away everything. Here are a few thoughts about ‘The Kite Runner’.

          The story is based in Afghanistan and showcases the reality of the place through fiction. It shows how war is brutal without making it sound too depressing. The story is a roller coaster with so many vibrant aspects through Amir’s perspective. You’ll hate him. You’ll feel sad for him. You’ll be satisfied with him at the end. His personality goes through so many changes and takes the reader along with it. The reader goes through all kinds of imaginable feelings; sympathy, revenge, loss, love, shock, hope, content and heartbreak.
         You’ll read lines like ‘For you, a thousand times over’ and cry. You’ll read lines which will break and mend your heart. You’ll realise how two people with similar situation can turn out so different. How only you can decide whether you want to be a good person or a bad one. How one day can change the course of so many people’s lives. And how it all comes back to the home country, blood relations, humanity and of course kites.
          Some precious moments in this one I loved truly. I loved the time when Amir reads to Hassan and just says something on his own instead of reading the actual story. And then Hassan says that that was the best story Amir had read to him in a while. The story which Amir just comes up is liked by Hassan. This is the first time he thinks about writing. In short, Hassan was the first person to inspire him to write. And that’s just priceless. There are so many little things that will touch your heart. Once you read this book, it’s impossible to forget it. Just drop whatever you’re doing and read this book. You’ll be amazed at the wonders of the mind and words.

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