Reviews

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

aaminahafeez's review against another edition

5.0

this book is a piece of ART. It makes you feel every single emotion, and it's one of the reasons that I was procrastinating, reading it because it is a very sad storyline. But I loved how you could feel the emotions through the writings of the author. I personally grew up with a lot of Afghans and I loved how the book elaborated on Afghan and Pakistani culture and I loved how the author incorporated a lot of farsi into his writing. I felt so special because I could understand it and it depended the connection with the book. Very emotional book. amazing. cried many many times.

gabiy's review against another edition

dark emotional 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

3.0

_christinadevin's review against another edition

dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Depression. Only lost 0.5 because I was crying too much to see the pages at times 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: War, Violence, Suicide attempt, Rape, Sexual violence, and Religious bigotry

akkey's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A very heartbreaking story with no real happy ending

nerms's review against another edition

emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

theresa_mysteries_and_mayhem's review against another edition

4.0

I had been meaning to read this book for decades. Now that I've finished it, I understand every book has its time to be read. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is no exception. I don't know if I could have handled the raw emotions this book provokes if I had read it any earlier. The book opens in Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1970s. Two young boys grew up together and are best friends. One is desperately trying to win the love and approval of his own father. Tragic and triggering events continue to happen as the story progresses. I felt like my emotions never got a break from the beginning to the end of the book.

At its heart, The Kite Runner is a book about friendship, family, love, loss, and amending wrongs. It's also an eye-opening glimpse into the recent history and struggles of Afghanistan. That was every bit as heartbreaking to read as the story about Amir and Hassan.

This is a beautifully written book. Anytime an author can conjure such strong emotions they're doing their job well. This doesn't make it any less difficult to read. It isn't a book to begin reading blindly like I did. It took me a month to read and process everything. And I'm still not entirely sure what to do with the emotions it churned up. I give The Kite Runner 4 out of 5 stars. Now I need to find something warm and fuzzy to read next!

hannah4463's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

ellenen's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0

vik96's review against another edition

challenging dark sad fast-paced

5.0

Finding it difficult to review a book that was so well-written about such distressing subject matter. 

Hosseini portrays the consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, as well as the emotional consequences of Amir's betrayal of Hassan, with such realism that it at times felt physically painful. His scene setting, characterisation, and vivid description of life in 60s/70s Kabul are beautiful. 

I would highly recommend this book on the condition that the reader is prepared to feel uncomfortable. Recommend the audiobook as narrated by the author. 

esha_tujjohora_3786's review against another edition

5.0

It's a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history. It follows the lives of Amir, a privileged son, and Hassan, his loyal friend and servant. Their bond is tested by jealousy and societal divisions. Amidst personal struggles, the novel explores themes of family, sacrifice, and identity. Hosseini's storytelling vividly brings to life the bustling streets of Kabul and the tranquil beauty of California.

The characters, from Amir's journey of guilt to Hassan's unwavering loyalty, feel incredibly real. It's a story that hooks you from the start and doesn't let go, leaving you pondering the complexities of human nature. Whether you're into exploring different cultures or just love a good story with depth, "The Kite Runner" is a must-read. It's heartfelt, thought-provoking, and simply unforgettable.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who's up for a bit of an emotional journey. If you dig deep, into complex characters and stories that make you think about life, love, and forgiveness, then this one's for you. But fair warning, have some tissues handy because you might shed a tear or two along the way. Trust me, it's worth it.