Author: Khaled Hosseini
Review By: G. Stephen Goode
I write this summary from Kabul as I have been coming to Afghanistan since 1984 for holistic development work through our partners. The sounds of the call to prayer from the mosque outside my window and controlled explosions of mines and bombs, the sites of battle and the rebuilding, the fresh smells of naan and kabobs, the language, the Afghan hospitality bring reality in the reading of this novel. However, one does not need to be in Kabul to read this book. Mr. Hosseini’s ease of language brings it to you from an Afghan, a refugee and an American perspective.
This is a gripping story of family, friendship, cruelty, brokenness, deceit, and strength in Afghanistan during the rule of the King Zahir Shah, the Russians, Afghan communists, the Mujhadeen and the Taliban. It brings back strong memories of the journey of Afghanistan as a nation. It disturbingly follows and is seen through the lives of two young Muslim boys of different ethnic backgrounds... One privileged, one illiterate. One a weak, the other strong. One a kite flyer, the other a kite runner. Two friends and yet something more. Jealousy and desire searching for identity. A haunting journey in the midst of war. Secrets discovered that overwhelm the soul.
Mr. Hosseini’s writing and story telling have given him a place on the New York Times best seller list. It is a heart wrenching story but well worth reading.
