Take a photo of a barcode or cover
hoobabi 's review for:
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
I want to be kind because this is a writers’ debut, because this will be most people’s introduction or real contact with Afghani culture and history and because he touches upon important topics.
So I will say this: the plot ties up far too neatly while simultaneously almost adding unnecessary dramatic violence. It is filled with almost ridiculous coincidences and we are asked to believe it because that’s just how it works in Afghanistan. It felt manipulated to read on just because every time I thought all was resolved, there’s another “episode” to go through, as if I am watching a soap opera. Maybe he wants to say Afghanistan’s suffering is endless? I don’t know.
I adored the first part where he built a world most people don’t know as well as the sweet relationship between the boys. Of course the weird servility of Hassan (as well as other characters that follow) to me do not really make sense, especially given Amir’s obvious weaknesses. That’s another point: the character at the centre is morally disgusting. We are asked to forgive him because he was a child but can we when he could redeemed himself much earlier and without such dire consequences? Or is this a tragic plot twist?
Nevertheless I was touched. I adored the beginning and I couldn’t ultimately feel a mixture of desperation, sadness, hope and anger for Afghanistan. May it experience peace.
So I will say this: the plot ties up far too neatly while simultaneously almost adding unnecessary dramatic violence. It is filled with almost ridiculous coincidences and we are asked to believe it because that’s just how it works in Afghanistan. It felt manipulated to read on just because every time I thought all was resolved, there’s another “episode” to go through, as if I am watching a soap opera. Maybe he wants to say Afghanistan’s suffering is endless? I don’t know.
I adored the first part where he built a world most people don’t know as well as the sweet relationship between the boys. Of course the weird servility of Hassan (as well as other characters that follow) to me do not really make sense, especially given Amir’s obvious weaknesses. That’s another point: the character at the centre is morally disgusting. We are asked to forgive him because he was a child but can we when he could redeemed himself much earlier and without such dire consequences? Or is this a tragic plot twist?
Nevertheless I was touched. I adored the beginning and I couldn’t ultimately feel a mixture of desperation, sadness, hope and anger for Afghanistan. May it experience peace.