Reviews with content warning for Grief - The Kite Runner

I was originally skeptical of starting this book due to its length and what I believed to be touching on heavy topics, and the start of the book was somewhat slow to get through because of that. However, as the story progressed, I found I couldn't help but be drawn more and more to the book, and I genuinely could not stop thinking about it. The book is deliciously tightly woven together, where certain things certain characters say make an appearance throughout the book much like they sometimes would in our memories and lives, and the author touches on so many social issues pertaining to the context of Afghanistan, which, many of which remain unsolved and continue to be perpetuated today, especially with the recent insurgence of the Taliban. I find this book to be as relevant now as it was nearly 20 years ago, and the way the plot points and how each character is written is truly marvelous and leaves such a lasting imprint on your memory.

Content Warnings

dlrosebyh's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.5

Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me?

The Kite Runner is a coming-of-age story about a wealthy life in Afghanistan. The story follows him from boyhood through fatherhood.

There was a lot to take in with this book. This book was not an easy read for me, as someone who can read at least two books in a day. It addresses difficult issues like sexual assault (particularly rape), suicide attempts, and grief. I didn't complete it all at once. I had to take breaks to take in what I'd just read because each chapter was incredible.

Every word, sentence, and paragraph in this book has significance. Each word has such a powerful impact on the book. For instance, in the first chapter, I'll include this item— and that item will be useful in the following chapters. As a melancholic person, I personally think that element was exquisitely done.

I only gave this book a 4.5 star rating because I was left wanting more. There were a few plot holes that I was hoping would be fixed (or at least covered up) in the future pages (one of the variables affecting this is that it's a coming of age novel).

Anyway, enough ranting; if you've ever considered reading this book, here is your cue to do so (even better if you can get it as a physical book).

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lindseyhall44's review against another edition

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sad medium-paced

5.0

One of the saddest books I have ever read, but also one of the most beautiful. I truly believe that everyone should read this once in their life (remember to check trigger warnings though!)
The Kite Runner follows Amir, a privileged Afghan boy growing up right before the Russian Invasion. The story spans both adolescence and adulthood, as well as in Afghanistan and the United States, revolving around the themes of friendship, love, guilt, and amendments. It’s been a while since a book made me think about my own life so deeply and care for characters like they are dear friends.
Besides the moving plot line and character development, I think the writing was my favorite part. The prose was incredibly stunning, which is always a happy bonus when I read:)
Overall, I will always recommend The Kite Runner, so pick it up if you are interested!

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