Book Review - The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Reviewed by

Nikta Jafarzadeh Samani

Grade 12, Handsworth Secondary School

Cover of The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner is a well-known novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. When I arrived in Canada in August of last year, I struggled with learning English, and my English course at school was especially challenging. One of my friends recommended this book as a starting point to explore literature, and it turned out to be a great experience. It not only helped me improve my language skills but also introduced me to a deeply moving and powerful story.

Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner spans from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It follows the journey of Amir, a privileged boy from Kabul, and his loyal Hazara friend, Hassan. Their childhood is marked by a shared love for kite running, but a traumatic betrayal changes their relationship forever. As Afghanistan falls into political turmoil, Amir and his father flee to the U.S., yet his past continues to haunt him. Years later, Amir embarks on a journey of redemption, returning to a homeland that has been devastated by war and the rise of the Taliban.