Scan barcode
b3ttysbooks33's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is not only a relatable, emotional story about regret, but also a haunting and impactful insight into the tragic historical and ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
note: some people criticize the depictions of religion and politics, but I feel that because most of these controversial opinions come from characters who is clearly deeply flawed, the author leaves room for such issues to be discussed rather than dictating a specific narrative.
note: some people criticize the depictions of religion and politics, but I feel that because most of these controversial opinions come from characters who is clearly deeply flawed, the author leaves room for such issues to be discussed rather than dictating a specific narrative.
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Gun violence, Hate crime, Sexual assault, Suicide, Terminal illness, War, Child death, Classism, Colonisation, Genocide, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, Infertility, Islamophobia, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, Death, and Suicide attempt
raisavibes's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this book. This was a very well written story about someone who has lived through the changes Afghanistan went through over the years.
It was heartbreaking to see what lengths a child can go to be liked by their parent. Amir's father loved him but was always very hard on him. Amir looked up to his Baba and constantly tried to impress him. It was not until later in the book, that I understood the dynamic of their relationship.
Hassan (the son of Amir's father's servant) had the purest of hearts. He was kind, forgiving, humble and extremely loyal. The fallout between Amir and Hassan was unfortunate and not what they deserved.
I dont want to give out any spoilers but here are some of my favourites from this book:
Favourite quote: "For you, a thousand times over."
Favourite character: has to be Hassan; wish he had a better ending.
Most interesting character: Farid, the taxi driver.
Most disliked character: Assef, a neighbourhood bully and a total sociopath! Hated him lol
Definitely recommend reading this book!
It was heartbreaking to see what lengths a child can go to be liked by their parent. Amir's father loved him but was always very hard on him. Amir looked up to his Baba and constantly tried to impress him. It was not until later in the book, that I understood the dynamic of their relationship.
Hassan (the son of Amir's father's servant) had the purest of hearts. He was kind, forgiving, humble and extremely loyal. The fallout between Amir and Hassan was unfortunate and not what they deserved.
I dont want to give out any spoilers but here are some of my favourites from this book:
Favourite quote: "For you, a thousand times over."
Favourite character: has to be Hassan; wish he had a better ending.
Most interesting character: Farid, the taxi driver.
Most disliked character: Assef, a neighbourhood bully and a total sociopath! Hated him lol
Definitely recommend reading this book!
stoonbora's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aross320's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
j_h_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've read this book a number of times but this is the first time I've read the audible version. It added a depth to the narrative that I'd missed before. I disliked main character for his treatment of Hassan and I find I dislike him more as I age and my understanding of the text develops further.
jacquieq's review against another edition
5.0
Read this in high school, and it is one of my favorite books of all time. It deals with some really heavy stuff, but I feel like it taught me so much about the world.
dbadi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saetereng's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lavib's review
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t usually read this type of book because they’re very REAL and this one was no exception. The characters lived and breathed which made me care for them all the more and made the book all the more devastating. I read this book for school, cried reading it and then cried again writing my summary and reflection on quotes. So yeah, absolutely heartbreaking and absolutely worth the read!
tillyjournals's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Join Amir recounting his entire life history, from his childhood in Afghanistan where he was good friends with Hassan, the son of his father's servant, who is a Hazara - an xx ethnic minority. To his adulthood in America where he and his father fled during the war. It is a devastating novel, with an awful lot of regret, abuse, death and vastly uncomfortable moments.
I find it really hard to rate books like this. I rate books based on my enjoyment of them and I can't really say that I enjoyed this, it was way too dark and depressing. I was listening to it on audiobook, and my husband just overheard bits and he kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to listen to this because it was so upsetting. And because of that lack of enjoyment I can't rate this higher than 2 stars.
I do however think this is an important novel to read. To have that brutal view of life in Afghanistan and how it has changed in our lifetimes, the victims of war and how things are never really seen outside of the country. This is real, the racism between ethnic minorities, the brutality of life, particularly of war, the Taliban taking over and so much more. It's devastating, and heart breaking to read, as such a novel should be.
I find it really hard to rate books like this. I rate books based on my enjoyment of them and I can't really say that I enjoyed this, it was way too dark and depressing. I was listening to it on audiobook, and my husband just overheard bits and he kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to listen to this because it was so upsetting. And because of that lack of enjoyment I can't rate this higher than 2 stars.
I do however think this is an important novel to read. To have that brutal view of life in Afghanistan and how it has changed in our lifetimes, the victims of war and how things are never really seen outside of the country. This is real, the racism between ethnic minorities, the brutality of life, particularly of war, the Taliban taking over and so much more. It's devastating, and heart breaking to read, as such a novel should be.