Reviews with content warning for Trafficking - The Kite Runner

this is the first book since i read yellowface that i felt like i couldn’t put down. the story was perfectly paced and i really formed a connection with the characters. it was really intense and a lot to take in, but i wanted to keep going in spite of it. i’m reading a thousand splendid suns next and i hope it makes me feel the same way. it’s definitely not without its faults but it’s a great book i’d gladly read again

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kamranapologist123's review against another edition

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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

5.0

The book, I honestly loved it so, so much. The themes of brotherhood was displayed throughout the entire book, yet it was subtle and I wasn’t expecting the plot twist at all. The emotive language of Hassan and just him in general, I literally aspire to be like him now.

Hassan’s death was kinda of a surprise, so I didn’t get to deep it tbh

But overall, the book was really, really good. You could see Amir’s development, ‘For you, a thousand times over.’ Anything that reminded him of Hassan would shed him to tears and I’m really happy Assef got what he got. I’d read this book a thousand times over.

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kaylo88's review against another edition

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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

This book is truly remarkable. It's a gripping rollercoaster of a story, and Hosseini’s wonderfully descriptive storytelling vividly brings the narrative to life.

Amir, the protagonist, is not a likeable character. Despite growing somewhat fond of him later in the story, I find his actions unforgivable. He is a coward and a terrible friend. On the other hand, Hassan is faithful and kind, and my heart broke when the unthinkable happened to him.

The book excels in depicting the stark contrast between Afghanistan before and after the invasion. Whether it offers a completely unbiased view is debatable, and I recognise that the relationship between the two community groups featured (Pashtuns and Hazaras) is more complex in reality. Nonetheless, it serves as a poignant example of the racial and religious discrimination in Afghanistan.

Overall, the story is emotive, emotional, gripping, and reflective and I am so glad I've finally read it!

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atlanticgiantpumpkin's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I try not to give every book I read a five star review, but this may be the best book I have ever read. Not my favorite, but definitely the best. I feel like everyone should read this. Maybe keep it among older high school students and college, but I feel like it should be required reading, up there with To Kill a Mockingbird. I cried for Hassan, I cheered on Sohrab, but most importantly, I empathized with Amir. I watched his growth and his change and watched his personality warp as did the political climate of Afghanistan. There are themes of love, family, fear, shame, justice, courage, and possibly most important, finding one’s home. There are metaphors and symbolism that rivals those of classic authors, and it’s astounding that this was the first book the author had published. This also makes me weep for all the Afghans who, after finally ridding themselves of the Taliban, were forced into their cruel subjection again. This book rarely holds back punches as it should. Sometimes, the reality of the world outside your little bubble needs to stab you repeatedly so you understand the truth.

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