Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel, The Kite Runner, attempts to weave stories of friendship, loyalty and love set against the political turmoil in modern day Afghanistan. It probes the fragile yet strengthening father-son bond between the protagonist Amir and his Baba, Amir’s friendship with servant Hassan and Hassan’s unflinching loyalty toward Amir. Although episodes from the story seem to be inspired from the author’s own life, Hosseini successfully keeps Amir from spilling over into reality.
The defining moment in the book is the kite flying competition that changes Amir’s life forever, ends his relationship with Hassan and shifts the tone of the book itself. Although the violence is subtle and underplayed, Hosseini’s powerful writing invokes graphic images in the minds of the readers.
Another highlight is the turning point in the relationship between the father and son. From being an authoritative, larger-than-life hero as seen through the eyes of a 5-year old, Baba transforms into a three-dimensional human being, and his relationship with the motherless Amir takes a turn for the better. Amir’s fear and hero-worship of his father turn into genuine affection as they leave their country at a time of great political upheaval. Of course, the emotional upheaval in Amir’s life happens much sooner when he loses his best friend Hassan, not to death but to betrayal. The guilt plagues him throughout, as the horrific episode keeps playing in his head over and over again. Unable to come to terms with his cowardice and selfishness, Amir risks his life to go back to his country, now in the hands of the Taliban, one last time in order to atone for his past sins.
Khaled Hosseini’s writing is very simple yet very powerful. The first-person narrative just flows as he creatively jumps from the streets of Afghanistan where Amir and Hassan are chasing kites to the flea market in San Francisco where Amir meets his love who later becomes his wife, Soraya. He manages to successfully intertwine the political upheaval in Afghanistan and the emotional displacement of the lead characters. Amir’s heavy conscience and his emotional turbulence are very real. Although Amir is the protagonist and narrator, it’s Hassan’s character that stays with you long after you have put the book down. Hosseini superbly contrasts Hassan’s loyalty, conviction and strength of character with Amir’s cowardice, greed and need for attention.
All in all, it makes for a very interesting read. The book is engrossing and thought-provoking at the same time. Although Hosseini gets carried away sometimes with his penchant for drama, particularly towards the end, he manages to keep most of the book grounded. There are no black-and-white characters in the book; the shades of gray make it real and enjoyable. Great novel from a debutant!