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A review by thirdcoast
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
4.0
I read this in one day. Of course, I was flying and sitting in O'Hare for hours and hours, but still, it is that kind of book. It reminded me of this French movie, Cache, that I saw a few weeks ago.
I almost put this down because I was disgusted with the main character. He's generally unlikable, but then again, perhaps we are all a little unlikable when we expose our true motives. He is selfish and petty and because of that is plagued with guilt through most of his adult life.
This novel verges on being a tragedy, but doesn't go there all the way. Which is not to say it has a happy ending, it ends in a way that is realistic, that offers hope but does not commit to happiness.
What I liked best was the view of Afganistan in the 60's and 70's. In my ignorance, I viewed it always as a place of war and rubble, without much redeeming it. The Afganistan that Hosseini writes about is beautiful and vibrant. A country which no longer exists.
I almost put this down because I was disgusted with the main character. He's generally unlikable, but then again, perhaps we are all a little unlikable when we expose our true motives. He is selfish and petty and because of that is plagued with guilt through most of his adult life.
This novel verges on being a tragedy, but doesn't go there all the way. Which is not to say it has a happy ending, it ends in a way that is realistic, that offers hope but does not commit to happiness.
What I liked best was the view of Afganistan in the 60's and 70's. In my ignorance, I viewed it always as a place of war and rubble, without much redeeming it. The Afganistan that Hosseini writes about is beautiful and vibrant. A country which no longer exists.