Review Detail

The Kite Runner, a fiction novel by Khaled Hosseini, describes the brotherly love between a wealthy Pushtun boy, Amir, and his Hazara servant, Hassan, during the cruel war between Afghanistan and Russia. Amir and Hassan grow up together just like true brothers. The racial barrier between Pushtuns, who are a superior race, and Hazaras, who are commonly viewed as inferior slaves, does not hinder Amir and Hassan from forming a strong brother bond. Their relationship is beyond one of a master and a servant; beyond two companions. They are two souls bond tightly by love, friendship, and loyalty. However, just like the brief calmness before a storm, a betrayal in a dark alley unwinds the once-unbreakable bond between Amir and Hassan. Their relationship is further shattered by more sacrifices, tears, and lies.

The main character of the book, Amir, is believable because he is well-rounded, showing both amicability and cowardice in his relationship with Hassan. Most Pushtun masters aren't close to their Hazara servants and some treat them poorly. However, Amir, unlike most of the other boys who humiliates the Hazaras, treats Hassan well and develops a strong companionship with Hassan. Despite his friendliness towards Hassan, however, Amir also shows cowardice because he never stands up for Hassan nor gives him help when Hassan faces challenges. On the other hand, Hassan is a flat character, showing only two traits throughout the book---consideration and loyalty. Hassan always helps and takes good care of Amir. He also stays obedient to his master despite any conditions. Hassan knows that Amir have betrayed him, not only once, but twice, yet he still treats Amir well and stays loyal to his beloved master.

I think this book is really interesting, or you can say it is close to being overwhelming, because you can never predict what will happen next. Reading The Kite Runner is like sailing a yacht in a heavy mist: you can never see through the misty thickness yet your boat is moving at a high-speed. So before you realized, you bump into “reefs”, or astonishing events which the readers will never expect. These “reef” events always give a strong impression about the book’s plot. They also provide strong motivation for me to keep turning those pages.

I think Hosseini writes in a simple language, but actually each word is precisely chosen and has a deeper meaning to it. Overall, I think this is a great, thrilling but nonetheless touching book to read. I would rate The Kite Runner five stars and recommend it to people of any age who are ready to start a journey to find love and hope in world of betrayal, lies, and blood.