Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

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The story revolves around the theme of friendship, exploitations and the dark reality of life in Afghanistan. Amir was brought up in a comfortable environment, conversely Hassan, a child of a labourer was exposed to the harsh environment and had to go through a traumatic incident. ‘I am the powerful’ was what Amir subconsciously believed and would make Hassan do things degrading of a human being but the ‘I am a loyal friend’ Hassan would submissively cater to his pretentious friend. This brings forth the satirical nature of the reality where people in power would behave. 

Kite is used as a symbolic meaning to represent the only colour of Afghanistan, it is a simple thing yet so meaningful in the lives of Afghanis. The author has made sure to exhibit the power of a simple kite which is the only event that brought laughter in the community of Kabul. It also represents the yearning love between a father and a son and also the betrayal where Amir is good at fighting the kite while Hassan is good at running the kite. It portrays that Amir severs the relationships while Hassan tries to bind it. However, the story becomes complete only when Amir realises his mistakes and tries to mend it by saving Hassan’s son Shorab. But I feel Amir would not have regretted or atone for his sins unless Rabim Khan had not called him and lied to. Moreover, I felt no sincere remorse coming from Amir rather than an obligatory responsibility.

The fact that Amir’s father had to lie to his sons (Amir and Hassan) shows that Kabul is a orthodox society and lacks the freedom to be honest even with oneself. Even when met with death father could not find the courage to reveal the truth and the same goes with Amir. He carried the weight of his secret for so long he had to feel guilty even when he could save his nephew’s life. This shows how the burden of one’s dark secret can emotionally affect one’s life. Similarly, it also shows how a childhood trauma can be tortuous throughout one’s life. This is shown by three characters Amir, Hassan and Sohrab. All of them had a traumatic incident which ruined their childhood and took them their entire life to overcome it. For Hassan, it took his life, for Amir until he got an opportunity to overcome his guilt and for Sohrab the answer still remains a suspense. However, when Hassan finally showed some spark in his eye when he saw the kite running in a foreign land it depicted that he might overcome his trauma if he went to his home just like he wished. This incident strongly teaches us how important childhood upbringing and memories can shape one’s emotional strength and it has become rather crucial to give a better childhood to the growing kids so that they learn to live a happy and emotionally strong life later in their lives. 

The author has described the two sides of the world, Afghanistan and America which portrayed the two opposite sides of the world where one is a heaven and the other chaotic turmoil. America provides much freedom while Afghanistan is a cage when it comes to freedom. However, for the General he preferred his old home and he never felt at home. This shows how hard it is to change one’s root. Even for me despite the lack of work stress in India my heart always longs to be home even if it comes with a lot of work stress. 

Throughout the story the author has made sure to describe each scene in a detailed manner which gives the readers a better and clear picture of the story. So, this style of writing captured my interest throughout the story and it was no less than watching a movie.

Although it might seem like Amir is the main protagonist of the story, I feel it is Hassan who is the main character because he represents the underprivileged society of Afghanistan despite having a good master. Moreover, Amir’s father, who is his master, took advantage of his position. Hassan never had a voice; he always had to obey his master’s order. Despite Hassan’s extreme loyalty he is betrayed by Amir. I feel it’s the same in today’s world where the powerful and privileged people misuse their power for personal gain. However, the author did not cover the story from Hassan’s side so we do not really know how Hassan actually felt doing all those loyal things for Amir. Hassan is portrayed as a loyal servant and a friend but we are curious to know how Hassan felt doing those because I can sense some censored stories. 

To those seeking to learn the reality of Afghanistan, meaning of a simple kite, cruelty of Talibans, friendship then the kite runner is the one. One would be exposed to the stereotypical culture and traditions of Muslims and also the hypocritical customs. Mostly, you would be shown the strength of friendship when two people befriending come from different classes of society. There are more in the story so one should definitely read to unfurl the mystery.