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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!
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.
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.
boldduck's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
4.75
bantwalkers's review against another edition
2.0
I like this book, I really do. In fact, I was surprised by how good it actually was. But its flaws often overshadow how good it is. For instance, it spans a lifetime, trying to feel epic and deal with different tumultuous times in Afghanistan. Instead of feeling epic it feels incomplete, being both too broad and not broad enough. It should have stuck to one story, Amir dealing with his mistreatment of his servant Hassan, and guilt following. It does this quite well, and when it does it becomes a compelling masterpiece. But it becomes a little too loose and ragged surrounding that story. The portion of the story where Amir is looking for/trying to adopt Hassan's son feels forced and ends up making a compelling read slog to the finish line. It also seems to be interested in introducing the world to the political turmoil which has taken place in Afghanistan over the past 30 years, but fails there also. It never fully explains what is happening there, because it is more interested in the human story it is telling. Still, it takes away from that human story from time to time as it tries to help us realize what is or was going on there.
I believe there is a lot of power in this story, but it could have been more powerful with just a little more focus. I would recommend Persepolis, which balances its human story and political history lesson a lot better in fewer pages.
I believe there is a lot of power in this story, but it could have been more powerful with just a little more focus. I would recommend Persepolis, which balances its human story and political history lesson a lot better in fewer pages.
sora_the_explorer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.75
jonp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and War
Moderate: Xenophobia and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Miscarriage