Reviews

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

hlesdana's review against another edition

Too sad

readelnotdancel's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

moni_h's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

erenes_21's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

blairjaeger's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

dada_bouffard1's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

lauren1616's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ricksilva's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Kite Runner tells the story of two boys, one rich and one poor, growing up in Afghanistan in the 1970s. During the annual kite-fighting tournament, Amir sets out to win the approval of his father, and makes a series of decisions he will regret for the rest of his life. His search for redemption years later brings his relationship with his childhood friend Hassan to tragic full circle when Amir finally returns to Kabul, a city now beaten down by years of war.

This story is loaded with classically tragic themes. It’s beautifully and often painfully told. While the author’s efforts to bring about symmetry feel a little bit forced at times, the plot twists toward the end take the story in unexpected directions.

The descriptions of culture and setting are fascinating, and the story and characters are powerful.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Genocide, Violence, and War

emilia_thereader's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lemontarts's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5