The Kite Runner is a novel, but it could very well be a true story.
As a historical novel, the book describes the life of a boy in Afghanistan before the rise of the Taliban. It tells a passionate story of two boys who, despite their different origins, were inseparable until one betrayed the other.
It is a true emotional experience, but educational too. You learn important character traits and how to handle life situations.
Respect for elders is a trait that is illustrated beautifully throughout the book. Amir, the devoted son, cares for his father, Baba, in the ultimate way. It is common Afghan practice for the son to massage the father’s feet after a long day, and Amir did it gladly. Throughout the story, you find youngsters showing respect to elders when due.
Acting for a good cause, is another lesson that the book emphasizes. By standing and not acting, Amir betrayed his friend. This haunted him for the rest of his life and he endured many hardships later on in life, in order to correct this betrayal.
Do not give up, even in the most difficult of situations with no hope in sight. Amir’s immigration applications were turned down, along with many other disappointments, but he did not give up.
Cherish small things. Where only a slight glint of success is visible, view it as a great accomplishment, even if it is not the answer to your ultimate wish. The end of the book illustrates this in a succinct way, where there is only a slight spark of hope, but it is cherished. This tiny, almost imaginative ray of hope, has brought many readers to tears.
Hosseini intertwines a historical perspective to the current conflicts in Afghanistan. You understand how life was both during and before the Taliban’s rise and how it changed people’s lifestyles.
Best of all, you learn what a kite runner is and its part in Afghan culture.
You walk away from The Kite Runner asking yourself many questions, and wondering if and when you will be able to read the sequel.