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laurenzokro 's review for:
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Incredibly intense and evocative. I read this much quicker than a lot of other books I’ve read recently, due in large part to how well the story was constructed and presented.
The characterizations were so well done, and I was particularly struck by the way Hosseini depicted Afghanistan - and the sense of longing for what used to be. I appreciate the relative simplicity of the writing style, and am sure it’s lended to this book having such a large societal impact.
My main critique is that some of the key events - particularly in the second half of the book - were so shocking/plot-twisty that they undermined the book’s overall resonance. For example,the reveal of Assef - that moment, although it made sense from a thematic perspective, came so out of left field that it honestly felt disruptive to the storytelling.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this thoroughly and despite the difficult subject matter, am glad that I finally read it!
The characterizations were so well done, and I was particularly struck by the way Hosseini depicted Afghanistan - and the sense of longing for what used to be. I appreciate the relative simplicity of the writing style, and am sure it’s lended to this book having such a large societal impact.
My main critique is that some of the key events - particularly in the second half of the book - were so shocking/plot-twisty that they undermined the book’s overall resonance. For example,
Nonetheless I enjoyed this thoroughly and despite the difficult subject matter, am glad that I finally read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Rape, Suicide attempt, Murder, War
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood