Margaret M - (too far behind to catch up although trying to spend more time on GR)'s Reviews > The Kite Runner

“I opened my mouth, almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn’t. I just watched. Paralysed”

Five stars for a stunning book where remorse, guilt, injustice, prejudice, and forgiveness play a significant part in the heart-breaking stories of Amir, son of Baba, and Hassan, son of Rahim Aga, a loyal friend and servant to the Amir’s father, set against the backdrop of some of Afghanistan’s most turbulent years.

'The Kite Runner' is an unforgettable story about two young boys whose lives are shaped by the regrettable decisions taken, inaction and cowardice that strains their relationship and ultimately tears them apart. It is also a story that signifies the power of voice and the devastating consequences of not using it when the time and cause requires it. Yet is also a tender story that demonstrates forgiveness, the power of love, and the importance of confronting the lies and injustices around us. A truly sensational story that is told with sentiment, honesty and with a powerful message.

The Plot

Amir and Hassan are friends, Amir “..was a Pashtun and Hassan was a Hazara, Amir was Sunni and he was Shi’a, and nothing was ever going to change that” However, the two boys shared a love of kite flying and won competitions and Hassan the title of best ‘Kite Runner’. Yet the two boys could not deny their racial differences as Hassan was forced to sit on the side lines while Amir played with other Sunni friends. Behind closed doors and away from probing eyes they were devoted friends until an evil act of depravity charts the boys on different courses.

As Amir struggles to forgive himself for inaction and cowardice, he recalls “.. I had one last chance to make a decision. One. In the end, I ran. I ran because I was a coward”

The story continues along two different paths until Amir, despite his successes in America, is forced to confront the ugly past with a twist that he could predict as the secrets hidden from him are revealed.

Review and Comments

A heart felt and touching story that shines a light on the injustices, suffering, and racial disparities felt across the world, without being judgemental. A story that needed to be told and a book that should be read. However, it was the forgiveness in the book that pulled on my heart strings just as much.

I love books that deliver strong messages but don’t lecture or patronise or seek to influence the reader politically or socially. It is up to the reader to take from these stories what they will and shape their own opinions. Yet they do help us understand different perspectives, the hardship of people displaced and suffering that comes with unrest and for that reason I adored ‘The Kite Runner’.

The writing style is superb, and I particularly loved the words and teachings of the wise men, and there is no shortage of them in this narrative. One of my standout quotes from this beautiful book is
“…there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. Do you understand that?” …. “When you kill a man, you steal a life,” Baba said. “You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. Do you see?”

Sad, powerful, and poignant, yet beautiful and tender in parts as the power of voice reminds us of when we should use it. I would give this book 6 stars if I could. Sensational.