The Kite Runner

I didn't know much about this book before I read it. I had heard of it (since I don't, in fact, live under a rock) but didn't know really what it was about at all. I picked it up at my favorite local-ish used bookstore for 25 cents. I literally bought this book for a quarter just because I could. I am SO glad I did. The official synopsis really says it all (at least keeping it spoiler-free) but I loved this book so much that I had to write a review. If nothing else, just to rant about how much I loved it.

The Kite Runner is set for the most part in Kabul, Afghanistan. I have to say that I knew very, very little about Afghanistan and Afghan culture going into this book. I was a little hesitant to read it because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to relate or understand what was going on. I experienced the complete opposite. The story was very easily accessible and I was totally immersed from the first chapter; I felt like I was in Afghanistan with Amir and Hassan. This novel was very emotional for me; it left me sobbing in my room, in my car, on my sofa, everywhere I read it. I felt what Amir felt. Hosseini's writing style was deeply engaging.

I won't spoil it by going into any detail but as much as I loved it, The Kite Runner was also incredibly difficult to read in parts. It was true to life in Afghanistan. I would put so many trigger warnings on this book. (For specific tw(s), please ask. I don't want to spoil it for anyone.) Some events were disturbing and the story was just so heart-wrenching.

The Kite Runner is a haunting novel, one that will stick with me for a long time. When I think about it, I think about love, forgiveness, guilt, and redemption. So much love. An overwhelming theme of love.

Would I recommend this book?

Because of some heartbreaking and possibly triggering events described within, I would not recommend this for everyone. But I would recommend it, if you can mentally handle reading about these events. Please check it out before you read it. The Kite Runner is incredibly moving and informative concerning Afghanistan, it's culture, and the terrible things happening in that country. I definitely recommend it.