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COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD
The Kite Runner By Khalid Hosseini
Book Preview
Submitted To: Miss Sobia Yaqoob
Submitted By: Danish Bashir
Reg. Number: SP24-BCS-025
Date: 26/03/2024
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PREVIEW
Why did I choose The Kite Runner?
My decision to read ‘The Kite Runner’ stemmed from my previous encounters with Khaled
Hosseini’s literary works. His distinctive narrative style and the profound themes he explores
resonated with me, prompting a desire to continue this literary journey. Furthermore, my
connection to the Subcontinent cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the
novel, as Hosseini’s Afghan heritage imbues his writing with cultural nuances that are
familiar to me.
About The Author:
Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan-American novelist and physician, has garnered international
acclaim for his heart touching storytelling that often draws from his own experiences and
heritage. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, on March 4, 1965, Hosseini’s family moved to Paris
when he was a child due to his father’s work with the Afghan Foreign Ministry. The Soviet
invasion of Afghanistan prevented their return, leading them to seek political asylum in the
United States. Settling in California, Hosseini later pursued a medical degree, which he
balanced with his passion for writing.
Hosseini’s literary works are deeply rooted in the cultural and societal intricacies of
Afghanistan, resonating with readers around the globe, particularly those from the
Subcontinent who share similar cultural narratives. His debut novel, “The Kite Runner”
explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, and has been followed by other
significant works such as “A Thousand Splendid Suns” and “And the Mountains
Echoed”. These novels not only reflect the societal practices and traditions of Afghanistan
but also highlight the human experiences of love, loss, and hope amidst turmoil. His
commitment to humanitarian efforts is evident through the establishment of the Khaled
Hosseini Foundation, which aids Afghan refugees—a testament to his dedication to giving
back to the community that inspires his writing.
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Critical Analysis:
Khaled Hosseini’s ‘The Kite Runner’ is a powerful story that mixes individual lives with
major political events, all set during a time of great change in Afghanistan. At its heart, the
novel is a profound exploration of the complex dynamics of friendship, betrayal, and
redemption. Through the eyes of Amir, readers are taken on a journey that spans from the
peaceful days of his childhood in Kabul through the harrowing realities of his homeland
becoming a playground for Cold War between US and Soviet Union. The relationship
between Amir and Hassan, his loyal friend and servant, serves as the emotional core of the
story, highlighting the rigid class divisions and ethnic tensions that plague Afghan society.
The novel’s critical acclaim lies not only in its storytelling but also in its ability to elicit
empathy and introspection. Hosseini delves into the psyche of his characters, particularly
Amir, whose journey of self-discovery and atonement is both heart-wrenching and
illuminating. The kite running scenes, symbolic of freedom and innocence, contrast sharply
with the brutality and oppression that follow, reflecting the loss of innocence on both a
personal and national level. The Kite Runner’s portrayal of a friendship marred by guilt and
societal constraints, and its subsequent quest for forgiveness, resonates with universal themes
of love, honor, and the enduring human spirit. Hosseini’s narrative is a testament to the
resilience of relationships and the possibility of healing, even in the face of overwhelming
adversity.
Thematic Analysis:
In “The Kite Runner,” Khaled Hosseini presents a tapestry of themes that intertwine the
personal agonies and joys of its characters with the larger historical and political upheavals of
Afghanistan. At the forefront is the theme of friendship and betrayal, embodied in the bond
between Amir and Hassan. Their relationship, marked by deep affection yet scarred by
Amir’s act of betrayal, mirrors the tumultuous changes in their homeland. The kite, a symbol
of their connection, also becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the cruelty of
life’s circumstances.
The narrative further delves into the theme of redemption, as Amir’s journey is not just a
physical return to the ravaged streets of Kabul, but a quest for atonement for past wrongs. His
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struggle for redemption is a poignant reflection of the broader national quest for peace and
healing in a war-torn country. The novel also explores the complex dynamics of father-son
relationships, particularly through the characters of Baba, Amir, and Hassan, revealing the
profound impact of paternal expectations and the weight of carrying unspoken truths.
Hosseini’s work is a profound exploration of the ways in which personal lives are affected by
the political landscape, and how the quest for personal redemption can be a microcosm of a
nation’s struggle for renewal. Through “The Kite Runner,” readers are invited to reflect on
the enduring nature of human bonds and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of
adversity.
Personal Comments:
The book is beautifully written and told with compassion, empathy and with a skilled writer’s
eye for detail and expression. This can also be a painful book to read. Not for everyone, but
for those who can endure what is at times heartbreaking the reward is as magnificent as is this
work. Baba’s advice to Amir about theft being the major sin was so perfectly shaped and
depicted in such a remarkable way that I cannot get it off my mind.
"When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal a 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. There is no act more wretched than stealing."
