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The remarkable debut novel from Khaled Hosseini, now out in paperback in a stunning new package

Ok, I will openly admit it- I am the type of person who will approach a book in a particularly prejudiced manner. If a book is revered, I more often than not go out of my way to pick fault in it. As it goes I picked up a copy of the Kite Runner in a bookstore on my way home from Germany. I practically read it non-stop for 8 hours. It is singlehandedly one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I am yet to read Thousand Splendid Suns, but I intend on doing so very soon.

Recommended.

OK, I know I'm reading this six or seven years later than everyone else, but what a treat to come on a book like this at any time! Like A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, this is simply magnificent - another drama in which a family tragedy plays out against the greater tragedy that is Afghanistan from the 1970s to the present time.

Amir, the 12-year-old narrator who perpetrates a terrible betrayal of his childhood pal Hassan (the son of the family retainer), is a deeply dislikeable boy, and yet when he resumes the story in America almost three decades later you begin to warm to him; exile has changed the tenor of his relationship with his ebullient and now ailing father Baba. His courtship of the beautiful Soraya is written with elegant restraint and beguiling charm.

And then Amir responds to a summons to his ravaged homeland, where he hopes to be able to atone for his boyhood sin. As he uncovers a shameful family secret and goes looking for Hassan, his story shifts up a gear into almost thriller mode and Amir becomes a man we can pity and even admire a little. The ending is perfectly pitched: his redemption has come at a price and is not yet complete. If you haven't read this book, prepare to shed tears.

Hosseini, a writer with a unique voice and immense narrative skills, has given us two extraordinarily powerful and unforgettable tales, both set in his native land and on two very different themes. Writing doesn't come any better than this. I shan't wait seven years when his next book comes out!

Reviewer is the author of Shaikh-Down, also set in the Middle East.

A brilliant well written book which was difficult to put down as I just wanted to keep reading on. Had to remind myself that it was fiction the more I got to know the characters as the book went on.

The Kite Runner shows the troubles of Afghanistan from their perspective. The relationships in the book are very touching & the message of the story both heart-rending & up-lifting. A truly wonderful read.

I wrote an outline in chapter 5 of what I thought the plot might be... a bit vague at that point obviously, but depressingly i got it bang on.
Hassan is the worst part of this book along with Assef.
Hassan is the really really really good character that cant do anything wrong ever ever ever and something bad will happen to. This you know immediately.
Assef is the really really really bad character that cant do anything good ever ever ever and will do something bad to the good person... but eventually will get his comeuppance.
Its an 8 year olds view of the world.
Hassan is a terrible character, one that doesn't develop at all, and yet this is a 'rite of passage' novel. He remains the same ignorant cowardly character throughout, and is only forced into situations where he appears brave through people playing on his guilt. He would be a coward if he doesn't do it, and he is too cowardly not to do it, he never stands up for himself.
The writing I find boring and repetitive.

I actually hate myself for saying this, but I cant find anything good about this book at all. Sorry.