As promised, I'll be reviewing Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner today. I borrowed this book from my local library more than a month ago and I put off reading it for weeks. The truth is, I was scared to read it. Last year I read and reviewed A Thousand Splendid Suns (also by Khaled Hosseini), such a remarkable book but very emotional. I wasn't ready for such emotions this time around so I decided to leave it until I was. However, when I started reading it, I discovered it wasn't as hard to read as A Thousand Splendid Suns. It's still pretty uncomfortable though, especially towards the end.
As promised, I'll be reviewing Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner today. I borrowed this book from my local library more than a month ago and I put off reading it for weeks. The truth is, I was scared to read it. Last year I read and reviewed A Thousand Splendid Suns (also by Khaled Hosseini), such a remarkable book but very emotional. I wasn't ready for such emotions this time around so I decided to leave it until I was. However, when I started reading it, I discovered it wasn't as hard to read as A Thousand Splendid Suns. It's still pretty uncomfortable though, especially towards the end.
Year of Publication: 2003
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Summary (from Good Reads)
Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, a member of the ruling caste of Pashtuns. Hassan, his servant and constant companion, is a Hazara, a despised and impoverished caste. Their uncommon bond is torn by Amir's choice to abandon his friend amidst the increasing ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy, wrenching them far apart. But so strong is the bond between the two boys that Amir journeys back to a distant world, to try to right past wrongs against the only true friend he ever had.
Review
There was a lot of silence in this book. By silence I mean keeping quiet when something should have been said, looking the other way and all of that. The silence ended up causing a lot of pain to Amir and the others involved. It was a great reminder that we should never look the other way. We all need to break this culture of silence, speak for what is right and defend those who cannot defend themselves. When we keep quiet, people suffer and sometimes we will have to leave with the regret of not saying anything for the rest of our lives. I know it isn't always easy but when we can, we should speak out.
There's something I say sometimes to my friends, how we're all a little evil inside. I know it sounds alarming, perhaps the word evil is a tad too harsh but you get my point. A better word would be selfish I suppose. It's human nature after all the Bible does say that the heart of man is desperately wicked.
In many ways, Amir was very evil. Especially to someone so loyal, loving and undeserving like Hassan. Amir was very selfish and did things that would haunt him for the rest of his life. But at the same time, I understood. He was selfish, yes, but his acts were due to cowardice and a cry for validation from his father. I guess that was the intention of the writer, to show us that sometimes people do bad things not because they want to be bad, just because they're afraid or don't know how else to cope with a situation. It's certainly a tough pill to swallow but it is true up to an extent. It does not apply to all cases, however. Assef ( a character in the book) was pure evil and I believe there was no justification for any of his deeds.
Whilst I admired Hassan's undying loyalty, I also questioned it a little bit. It seemed a bit unrealistic at times, he was such a loving person even when he was wronged. His father, Ali too. If such people truly exist, I want to be like that. To be able to love and forgive so easily.
Whilst I admired Hassan's undying loyalty, I also questioned it a little bit. It seemed a bit unrealistic at times, he was such a loving person even when he was wronged. His father, Ali too. If such people truly exist, I want to be like that. To be able to love and forgive so easily.
Conclusion
Whilst this book is not an easy read, there's an air of gloom, guilt and sadness around it. I would highly recommend it. There are a lot of lessons to be learned. One of the important ones is that we need to be careful of the choices we make as they can haunt us for a lifetime and sometimes there's no way to redeem yourself no matter how hard you try. Lots of people liked this book and some didn't. I liked it though. Having said that, I would point out that it's not the sort of book I would like to reread as it's pretty intense.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote from the book:
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote from the book:
For you, a thousand times overIt was such a loving and loyal thing to say, I don't know why it gets to me but it does.
Year of Publication: 2003
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Summary (from Good Reads)
Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, a member of the ruling caste of Pashtuns. Hassan, his servant and constant companion, is a Hazara, a despised and impoverished caste. Their uncommon bond is torn by Amir's choice to abandon his friend amidst the increasing ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy, wrenching them far apart. But so strong is the bond between the two boys that Amir journeys back to a distant world, to try to right past wrongs against the only true friend he ever had.
Review
There was a lot of silence in this book. By silence I mean keeping quiet when something should have been said, looking the other way and all of that. The silence ended up causing a lot of pain to Amir and the others involved. It was a great reminder that we should never look the other way. We all need to break this culture of silence, speak for what is right and defend those who cannot defend themselves. When we keep quiet, people suffer and sometimes we will have to leave with the regret of not saying anything for the rest of our lives. I know it isn't always easy but when we can, we should speak out.
There's something I say sometimes to my friends, how we're all a little evil inside. I know it sounds alarming, perhaps the word evil is a tad too harsh but you get my point. A better word would be selfish I suppose. It's human nature after all the Bible does say that the heart of man is desperately wicked.
In many ways, Amir was very evil. Especially to someone so loyal, loving and undeserving like Hassan. Amir was very selfish and did things that would haunt him for the rest of his life. But at the same time, I understood. He was selfish, yes, but his acts were due to cowardice and a cry for validation from his father. I guess that was the intention of the writer, to show us that sometimes people do bad things not because they want to be bad, just because they're afraid or don't know how else to cope with a situation. It's certainly a tough pill to swallow but it is true up to an extent. It does not apply to all cases, however. Assef ( a character in the book) was pure evil and I believe there was no justification for any of his deeds.
Whilst I admired Hassan's undying loyalty, I also questioned it a little bit. It seemed a bit unrealistic at times, he was such a loving person even when he was wronged. His father, Ali too. If such people truly exist, I want to be like that. To be able to love and forgive so easily.
Whilst I admired Hassan's undying loyalty, I also questioned it a little bit. It seemed a bit unrealistic at times, he was such a loving person even when he was wronged. His father, Ali too. If such people truly exist, I want to be like that. To be able to love and forgive so easily.
Conclusion
Whilst this book is not an easy read, there's an air of gloom, guilt and sadness around it. I would highly recommend it. There are a lot of lessons to be learned. One of the important ones is that we need to be careful of the choices we make as they can haunt us for a lifetime and sometimes there's no way to redeem yourself no matter how hard you try. Lots of people liked this book and some didn't. I liked it though. Having said that, I would point out that it's not the sort of book I would like to reread as it's pretty intense.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote from the book:
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote from the book:
For you, a thousand times overIt was such a loving and loyal thing to say, I don't know why it gets to me but it does.
It's easily one of my favourite books. I love A Thousand Splendid Suns as well but I have to agree that one broke my heart a lot more and left me in tears. x
ReplyDeletewww.wildfirecharm.com
Haha, seems like we're on the same page then. Thanks so much for stopping by! xx
DeleteI really need to get back into reading , I used to read a lot before! - looks like I'm missing out on all these great books lol! Thanks for the review :) x
ReplyDeletelifeofacameo.blogspot.co.uk
I hope you do, there are loads of amazing books out there. Thanks for reading Natalie! xx
DeleteI absolutely loved A Thousand Splendid Suns, but like you, I was a ball of emotions reading it. I've been meaning to read this one, but I was also scared to. I think now its the time to though! x
ReplyDeleteA Little Treat | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Haha a ball of emotions, perfect description. You should read this, you'll like it. Thanks for reading Zazie! xx
DeleteI loved both this book and A Thousand Splendid Suns - although that one was more upsetting than The Kite Runner so I definitely agree with you there. Lots of lessons and eye opening truths in both of them I think - really enjoyed reading your review! xxx
ReplyDeleteSophie | Sophar So Good
Yeah, it was way more upsetting. Even just thinking about it is upsetting lmao.Yup, lots of lessons to be learned from both books. Aww thanks for reading Sophie <3
DeleteI'll have to keep my eye out for this book.
ReplyDeletehttp://stylesbynancy.blogspot.com/
You should, it's a great one.Thanks for stopping by Nancy :)
DeleteI haven't read a book in for like ages!
ReplyDeleteBut you have really inspired me to give one a go!
Kiri
Set to Glow
http://www.settoglow.com.au
Yay, glad I inspired you to do so. Thanks for reading Kiri <3
DeleteWow, this brings back memories! I read this book in school and I actually loved it - it's also so emotional! It definitely is intense like you said, the sort of book that you need to watch Friends or something immediately afterwards to lighten the mood.
ReplyDeletehttp://skylish.co.uk
Lool @ the sort of book you need to watch Friends or something, I agree. Thanks for reading Kemi! xx
DeleteI am currently reading it and it`s so heartbreaking. I saw the movie a while ago and I cried so much, but I know the book will be more emotional.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beautynerd.co.uk
I didn't know there was a movie until someone commented that there was actually! I hope you enjoy the book and thanks for reading Georgiana :)
DeleteThanks for this review. I have to add this to my reading list.
ReplyDelete-Lena
L.E.N.A | Revealed
.
Thanks so much for reading Lena <3
DeleteThis was the first book by Mr. Hosseini that I read. It left me in awe of his writing and prepared me for the second roller coaster - A Thousand Splendid Suns.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reviewing this book and spreading this wonderful writer's work.
xo,
Sheyla
www.freestyle-moda.com
He's such a gifted writer isn't he? Thanks for stopping by and reading Sheyla :)
DeleteOhh I really want to read this!!!!!
ReplyDeletexx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
You should, you'll love it! It'll make you a heap of emotions though lol :)
DeleteI have not read this book, but the review is certainly getting me emotional. I will be adding it to my reading list. Thank you...xxx
ReplyDeletewww.sunlightdreamer.com
Haha it's pretty emotional! Thanks for reading Ifunanya <3
DeleteKhaled Hosseini books always leave me an emotional wreck! He's such a talented writer.
ReplyDeleteThat's my favourite line from the book too.
That's the correct description haha, an emotional wreck. He's very talented! There's just something about that line that gets to me. Thanks for reading :)
DeleteThe Kite Runner is definitely an emotional book; so well written. I have also read his other book "A Thousand Splendid Suns"; another really good book!
ReplyDeleteI've been doing a bit of blog surfing and came across your blog; I would be grateful if you checked out my blog too!
Have a good day!
www.lifeofchi.co.uk
Of course, I'll check out your blog Chi Chi :)
DeleteThanks for reading! xx
Hello Demi! I just wanted to stop by and thank you for always reading my blog and leaving nice comments. You are awesome! Xx
ReplyDeleteHey! Aww, you're welcome. You have a great blog <3
DeleteOh great. The final push to get into Khaled Housseini's books. I just got The Kite Runner and the Mountains Echoed but I have been stalling.
ReplyDeleteJust came across your blog. Great job!
diveintomauve.com
Haha I understand the stalling, they're not easy to read. Having said that, they're totally worth it. Enjoy your reading and thank you for stopping by, I'm a big fan of your Twitter lol :)
DeleteI read both last month and have been toying with writing a review.
ReplyDeleteKite Runner got to me and prepared me for A thousand splendid suns. I'm currently reading I am Malala and transported back to the world of Khaleed's stories.
You should totally write a review Tamie! I haven't read I Am Malala, would love to though :)
Delete