The Kite Runner: a story of forgiveness and redemption

The Kite Runner is the first novel by Khaled Hosseini. It starts in Afghanistan before the country was torn apart by politics, racial prejudice and war. As a young boy learns about the world around him and the delicate balance between doing what is right and staying quiet out of fear. The story opens in December 2001, as a man muses that the past never stays buried. As it has a way to crawl to the present. Amir lives with his widowed father, their servant, Ali, and Ali’s son, Hassan. It seems to be an idyllic life until July 17, 1973 when the king is overthrown and a new government is established. By March 1981, Amir and his father must leave the country and become refugees on their way to America. Once in America, Amir learns to make a new life for himself. He goes to college and even gets married. His life goes smoothly until he receives a letter which will turn his life around and send him back to his homeland in search of forgiveness and redemption.

The Kite Runner is the second novel I’ve read by Khaled Hosseini and his storytelling ability is wonderful. I love this descriptions of Afghanistan before it was torn apart and you can almost imagine it was life in America. As many people in America, I didn’t know much about Afghanistan until 9/11 and Mr. Hosseini’s writing brings a beautiful country to life, brings it’s people to life and brings the long series of events which led to the country status now, to heartbreaking light. I highly recommend The Kite Runner.

The Kite Runner

Is available at all major booksellers