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The Kite Runner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

371

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1970s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini follows the story of Amir and Hassan, two close friends and half-brothers in 1970s Afghanistan, navigating societal divides and personal betrayal. Amir wins a kite fighting tournament, but Hassan is assaulted by a bully, Assef. This event drives a rift between them. Years later, Amir seeks redemption by rescuing Hassan's son, Sohrab, from Taliban rule. The narrative portrays themes of friendship, family secrets, and the quest for atonement amidst Afghanistan's tragic backdrop. The story includes topics related to sexual violence and trauma.

Melancholic

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.5

3,292,287 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini captivates readers with its powerful storytelling and vivid portrayal of Afghan culture, garnering praise for its emotional depth and compelling characters. However, some critique its melodramatic elements and predictability. Overall, it remains a poignant exploration of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Kite Runner?

A reader who would enjoy The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is likely drawn to emotionally rich, character-driven narratives with themes of redemption, friendship, and cultural history. Fans of works like Atonement by Ian McEwan and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which delicately balance personal and social conflicts, will find this novel compelling.

4.5

3,292,287 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Amir

Amir is the central protagonist and narrator of *The Kite Runner*. Growing up in a wealthy neighborhood of Kabul, Afghanistan, he struggles with feelings of superiority and jealousy toward his servant's son, Hassan, whom he does not know is his half-brother. Amir's journey is driven by his deep need for redemption and takes him from a privileged childhood in Afghanistan to an adult life in America haunted by guilt, ultimately leading him back to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in search of redemption.

Hassan is Amir's half-brother and closest childhood friend in *The Kite Runner*. Raised alongside Amir, he is known for his humility, courage, and unwavering sense of justice. As a Hazara, Hassan faces racism and persecution but remains a steadfast moral center. His relationship with Amir is marked by loyalty and sacrifice, which significantly influences Amir's life decisions.

Baba, known as "Mr. Hurricane," is Amir's father in *The Kite Runner*. A strong, generous man with a complex personality, his demanding nature stems from lifelong secrets about his past, including an affair with a servant's wife. Baba's character influences Amir's sense of self-worth and views on courage, and their relationship evolves as they flee war-torn Afghanistan together.

Ali is a servant in Baba's household in *The Kite Runner*. Raised by Baba's father after being orphaned, Ali is characterized by his humility and goodness, raising Hassan as a single father. Despite his hardships, Ali remains a figure of quiet strength and moral integrity throughout the story.

Assef is the antagonist in *The Kite Runner*, representing a darker version of privilege and entitlement. Known for his cruelty and sociopathic tendencies, he embodies deep-seated racism and violence. Assef plays a pivotal role in the events that lead Amir to seek redemption for his past wrongs.

Sohrab is the orphaned son of Hassan in *The Kite Runner*. Bearing a strong resemblance to his father, Sohrab becomes a key figure in Amir's journey toward redemption. His character echoes Hassan's, and his relationship with Amir ultimately helps Amir address past regrets and find personal healing.

Book Details
Pages

371

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1970s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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