Quick take
Friendship, brotherhood, loss, and loyalty in 1970s Afghanistan. Be prepared for an emotional, heartbreaking read.
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Sad
International
Literary
Critically acclaimed
Synopsis
Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, a member of the ruling caste of Pashtuns. Hassan, his servant and constant companion, is a Hazara, a despised and impoverished caste. Their uncommon bond is torn by Amir's choice to abandon his friend amidst the increasing ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy, wrenching them far apart. But so strong is the bond between the two boys that Amir journeys back to a distant world, to try to right past wrongs against the only true friend he ever had.
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.
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Member ratings (5,704)
Monika D.
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ
I’ve read this book before and was so excited when I saw it in BOTMs library! Hosseini draws you into Amir’s story and makes you feel every single emotion Amir is feeling. A true literary masterpiece!
Charlsey F.
West Valley City, UT
A new all time favorite. This story devastated me and simultaneously gave me so much hope. Beautiful story. Had the annoyance of my beautiful life not been a factor I’d have finished without stopping!
Ashley T.
Ogden, UT
I cried way too much in this book. The beginning was hard to get through and i had to take breaks, but once I made it past the beginning I couldn’t put it down. So heartbreaking but those are the best
Gina D.
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Oh this book. My all time favorite! My heart never felt such deep emotion from a book as this did. I’ll never not tear up thinking about it. It taught me so much on what true friendship means. Amazing
Emily T.
Siloam Springs, AR
Heartwrenching. As an American from birth, it’s not often at all I give thought to the evils plaguing third world countries. I praise God for how blessed we are and pray for those who are suffering.