Author: Khalid Hosseini
Genre: Historical fiction, Drama
Published by: RIVERHEAD BOOKS
Copyright: year 2003 by TKR Publishing, LLC
Length: 371 pages
ISBN:978-1-59448-000-3
About the Author
Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American novelist, physician, and Humanitarian.
He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. In the 1980’s, he and his family moved to the United States after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
In 2006, he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency).
Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links to Amazon, Bookshop.org, and other retailers. If you make a purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Why I chose this book
I read this book because my daughter already had it in her collection. The book also became a movie. A movie I did not watch. So I read it to find out for myself what the fuss was all about.
Quick Summary
“The Kite Runner” is a story about two childhood best friends, Amir and Hassan, and their coming of age. Set in the recent history of modern-day Afghanistan, Amir narrates the story that follows the ebb and flow of his life.
It begins at a more peaceful time in Afghanistan. The country still had a king and it was a good time for two friends from unique backgrounds. Destined for very different fates. It is a story of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. And how a family can differ completely from what you expected as a child.
My Impression
It is an interesting book. My first thought was that the story would be primarily about a kite runner. It was, but also not. When I first started reading, I was not sure how I felt about this. I had to put the book down and return a few months later. And read again from the beginning.
It helps keep my interest that the story of Afghanistan is still being written. The Taliban still rule, so it is easy to relate the story to current events.
The ending might be just what the author had in mind. The circle of life. Although I also feel that the ending could have more clearly settled the question of “What happened to the boy?”. Although we can infer from the last paragraphs whether it was a happy ending, I like endings that do not leave the reader guessing.
All things considered, it is a good book. Are there lessons to be learned? Maybe all of which appears to me to be in hindsight.
Memorable Quote
“There is still a way to be good” – Rahim Khan
Recommendation
A book worth recommending, especially if you enjoy stories based on historical events.
INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK?
You can pick up a copy through:
© 2026, Norman. All rights reserved.
