The Kite Runner
is an incredible novel that immediately draws the reader in. One of the
highlights of this book, from an outsider point of view, is that it is so accessible
for all age groups. I have a suspicion that reading it as a teenager is just as
though-provoking as it would be as an adult. Khaled Hosseini has a very unique way of
telling a story. His descriptions and
word choice are simple, but simultaneously powerful. He can write a short, 3
lined paragraph but leave you with an incredible image in your head. It is so
refreshing to read a story that is simple, yet never underdeveloped. It is a
welcoming change to Atlas Shrugged, which often, in my opinion, got lost
in its repetitiveness.
The
Kite Runner had the ability to still surprise me as I got closer and closer
towards the end of the novel. The events that happened never seemed contrived,
but were unpredictable enough to still create tension. I thought that the ending
of the novel would have the typical, ‘fairy-tale” ending that most of us have
come to expect. The fact that Amir and Hassan never reconcialiated was both
tragic and effective. It showed the harsh reality of life sometimes; that
though Amir was apologetic the rest of his life and let his 13 year old
decisions haunt him , he was never able to personally confront his demons,
whether it was cowardice or circumstance that held him back. While it was unexpected,
it still did frustrate me that Amir never saw Hassan again.
Baba’s
and Amir’s relationship was always a complicated one. It was fairly obvious
that Baba’s actions demonstrated his love for his son. But it was equally
obvious that Baba never knew to articulate his emotions for his son. Baba’s
pride was a dangerous thing… it often became a hindrance for his own survival.
His lofty sense of self even prevented him from accepting help from a
Russian-American doctor, whom could have helped to save his life. The fact that
Hassan was really Baba’s son added another layer of emotional turmoil. After
discovering the truth, I found myself remembering Baba’s wedding speech “for my
son, the only child I’ve ever had.” Baba never told the truth to Amir. I’m not
sure if it was to protect Amir or maybe he felt Amir had no business knowing
the truth. Once again, the shared blood line between Amir and Hassan only
further heightens the tragedy of what occurred with the half-brothers.
When
I came to the end of the novel, I realized the parallel that exists between
Baba /Ali and Amir/Hassan. Like Ali, Amir was never able to have children with
Soraya. Like Baba intentionally did with Hassan , Hassan must leave his son behind
when he passes away. Amir will now raise Hassan’s son, just as Ali raised Baba’s
son. This connection between the four
character foreshadows the love and care that Amir will treat Hassan’ s son
with, mirroring Ali’s and Hassan’s relationship.
Redemption is a powerful theme within the Kite
Runner. The path that Amir must take in order to finally achieve absolution is
painful to swallow. Tragedy is always around the corner, whether it be Baba’s
death, Hassan’s death, his own memories, etc. But the commentary is simple;
nothing in this life is simple. And forgiveness, especially of oneself, is
often impossible. But it is attainable. Hassan, judging from his letter and the brief happiness
he achieved with his young family, was able to forgive Amir. Amir was finally
able to make right by protecting Hassan’s son, something he was never able to
do for Hassan. And life even comes full circle with Hassan’s son fulfilling the
prophecy of using his slingshot to Assef’s eye….a promise, made by Hassan, that
seemed to have happened in a different lifetime.
I loved reading this book. I found myself both
rooting and shouting at these characters. They seemed extraordinarily real even
within an Afghan culture that I am so unfamiliar with. I was able to connect
with tem and truly understand each choice, even if I was happy or unhappy with
said choices. Kite Runner is one of those books that truly touches the reader,
and is not easily forgotten.
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