Hosseini, Khaled: *1965
The Kite Runner, 2003 - Information about the Book
- General Information
- The novel tells the extraordinary story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Afghan boy, named Amir, and Hassan, the son of his father's servant — who he later finds out, after Hassan's death, has always been his half-brother. Throughout the novel, Amir's character ultimately changes from him being a selfish child to a selfless adult.
Khaled Hosseini says, "The book is about trying to become a better human being." - Information from Wikipedia
- The novel tells the extraordinary story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Afghan boy, named Amir, and Hassan, the son of his father's servant — who he later finds out, after Hassan's death, has always been his half-brother. Throughout the novel, Amir's character ultimately changes from him being a selfish child to a selfless adult.
- Facts
- This critically acclaimed, multigenerational novel was challenged and banned in the USA in 2017 because it includes sexual violence and was thought to “lead to terrorism” and “promote Islam.”
Some of the most notable awards are:South African Boeke Prize (2004): The novel won this prestigious South African literary prize in 2004.
South African Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2004): Another recognition from South Africa, this time from the Exclusive Books Boeke Prize.
Borders Original Voices Award (2003): This award recognizes debut works of fiction, and "The Kite Runner" received this honor in 2003.
Alex Award (2004): Given by the American Library Association, this award recognizes adult books that have special appeal to young adults. "The Kite Runner" was a recipient in 2004.
California Book Award for Fiction (2004): Hosseini's novel won this prestigious award for fiction in 2004.
Independent Foreign Fiction Prize (2004): This British literary award celebrates fiction works by international authors. "The Kite Runner" was shortlisted for this prize in 2004.
British Book Awards - Best Read of the Year (2005): Hosseini's novel was the winner of the Best Read of the Year category at the British Book Awards in 2005.
Developed by ChatGPT AI
- Amir - The protagonist and narrator, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul. He is the son of a wealthy Pashtun man and struggles with cowardice and guilt over betraying his best friend Hassan.
Hassan - Amir's best friend and the son of Ali, one of Baba's servants. He is an ethnic Hazara and fiercely loyal to Amir despite being mistreated by him. Hassan is later revealed to be the illegitimate son of Baba, making him Amir's half-brother.
Baba - Amir's father, a wealthy businessman who favors Hassan over his own son Amir. He is strict and critical of Amir's lack of courage.
Sohrab - Hassan's son who Amir tries to rescue years later to atone for his betrayal of Hassan.
Assef - A vicious bully and the main antagonist who assaults Hassan and later becomes a Taliban leader. He torments Amir and Hassan as children.
Other notable characters include Ali (Hassan's caretaker), Rahim Khan (Baba's friend), Soraya (Amir's wife), and General Taheri (Soraya's father).
Developed by Perplexity AI
- Friendship and Betrayal
The novel centers on the deep friendship between Amir and Hassan, and Amir's betrayal of Hassan when he fails to prevent Hassan's rape by the tyrannical Assef. This betrayal haunts Amir for years and drives the plot as he seeks redemption.Guilt and Redemption
Amir's guilt over betraying Hassan consumes him, and his search to answer for his past sins by rescuing Hassan's son Sohrab from Taliban brutality drives the justifying arc of the story.Father-Son Relationships
The strained relationship between Amir and his father Baba, as well as Amir's half-brotherly relationship with Hassan (who is revealed to be Baba's illegitimate son), form a major thread exploring complex family dynamics.Ethnic Tensions
The novel highlights the ethnic tensions and discrimination faced by the Hazara minority like Hassan in Afghan society, personified by the racist tyrant Assef.Violence and the Effects of War
The brutalities of the Soviet invasion and Taliban rule in Afghanistan are depicted, showing how violence and war can tear apart lives, families and the social fabric.In summary, "The Kite Runner" is a powerful exploration of friendship, betrayal, guilt, redemption and the complexities of family and ethnic tensions, all set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's violent upheavals.
Developed by Perplexity AI
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- Khaled Hosseini speaks about "The Kite Runner". Dominican University of California; September 15, 2011
- Audio (31:03)
Terry Gross talks with Khaled Hosseini about the biographical part of his novel. Hosseini, like the protagonist in his novel, left Afghanistan when he was boy and didn't return for decades. Hosseini was 11 when his family left, before the Soviet invasion. His father was a diplomat, and the family was granted political asylum in America. NPR Radio; August 11, 2005 - Audio (29:00)
Khaled Hosseini talks about The Kite Runner. BBC; February 2, 2014 - Audio (9:28)
Liane Hansen speaks with Khaled Hosseini about the novel and the differences between Pashtuns and Hazaras. NPR Radio; July 27, 2003 - Stephen Colbert "arguing" with Khaled Hosseini. BookTV; June 2, 2007
- Khaled Hosseini speaks about "The Kite Runner". Dominican University of California; September 15, 2011
- Articles
- Commentary
This is a beautifully written tale. Relationships are complex: full of pride, longing, prejudice, regrets, love, and frailty. Childhood post-traumatic stress disorder, the loss of trust and innocence, and the consequences of cultural mores and taboos provide some of the themes in this finely textured novel. The tumultuous history of Afghanistan, including the ravages of oppression, both influences and reflects the nuanced characters: their flaws, hopes, and redemption.
Shafer, Audrey
Excerpted, with permission, from the Literature, Arts, and Medicine Database at New York University School of Medicine, © New York University. - Kite Runner heads book club poll. BBC; August 8, 2006
- Commentary