Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Mairi

Ali and Hassan have always been the servants of Amir's family. Their relationship goes far beyond that, though, as Ali is an old friend of Amir's father and Hassan himself is Amir's friend- they do everything together. Though when company comes Amir ignores Hassan, seemingly ashamed that he calls this harelipped boy his friend, Hassan always fiercely defends the shy Amir.

My high school's book club read A Thousand Splendid Suns (which is a very good book) at the beginning of the year, but, despite the recommendations of students and teachers alike, I have only just finished reading The Kite Runner. As much I loved Mariam in A Thousand Splendid Suns, I have to say that this is the better book. The ending in particular is amazing, and the book closes neatly in on itself.

I am not sure I trust myself to say what age this book is best read at- I am leaning toward fifteen or so.