The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (9780747566533)

Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the approval of his father and resolves to win the local kite-fighting tournament, to prove that he has the makings of a man. His loyal friend Hassan promises to help him - for he always helps Amir - but this is 1970s Afghanistan and Hassan is merely a low-caste servant who is jeered at in the street, although Amir still feels jealous of his natural courage and the place he holds in his father's heart. But neither of the boys could foresee what would happen to Hassan on the afternoon of the tournament, which was to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return, to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

Top reviews

Bookseller review

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Review by Jo of the Borders on 2009-01-22 11:28:07
Bookseller review

Illuminating.

Hosseini's story of a young storyteller dealls with friendship, betrayal and redemption, set against the volatile political backdrop of 20th century Afghanistan. Poignant, moving and illuminating.

Review by of the Borders on 2009-01-25 18:22:45
Bookseller review

.

.

Review by Becky of the Leeds Borders on 2009-01-27 14:13:32
Bookseller review

Powerful read

'The Kite Runner' is an astonishing, powerful book to read. It is a story of fierce cruelty and yet redeeming love, as well as an intimate account of family and friendship. If you have any hesitancy about reading this book, as I did, put your doubts aside and rush out to buy a copy of 'The Kite Runner'. You'll be very glad you did. It is not only a book that will keep you from doing anything else but turn the pages, believe me it's that good!

Review by of the Manchester Fort Borders on 2009-01-30 15:57:42
Bookseller review

A must read.

This book is a beautiful, heart-rending account of what Afghanistan used to be before it became occupied by the Taliban and provides hope among the pathos for the future of this war-torn country. Some of the images evoked are quite disturbing, however.
This novel is everything a book-lover is looking for: it provides heart-wrenching emotional drama, it lends insight into the best and the worst of human behaviour, it examines real, historical and political issues from someone who's been there and it contains an action-packed storyline.
Khaled Hosseini's next book, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a good follow-up from this book. Highly recommended.

Review by Steve T of the Birmingham Borders on 2009-03-28 21:12:17
Bookseller review

Powerful read

'The Kite Runner' is an astonishing, powerful book to read. It is a story of fierce cruelty and yet redeeming love, as well as an intimate account of family and friendship. If you have any hesitancy about reading this book, as I did, put your doubts aside and rush out to buy a copy of 'The Kite Runner'. You'll be very glad you did. It is not only a book that will keep you from doing anything else but turn the pages, believe me it's that good!

Review by Anwar of the Manchester Fort Borders on 2009-04-21 15:11:50
Bookseller review

Illuminating

Hosseini's story of a young storyteller dealls with friendship, betrayal and redemption, set against the volatile political backdrop of 20th century Afghanistan. Poignant, moving and illuminating.

Review by Ronan of the Borders on 2009-04-24 08:29:45
Bookseller review

Illuminating

Hosseini's story of a young storyteller dealls with friendship, betrayal and redemption, set against the volatile political backdrop of 20th century Afghanistan. Poignant, moving and illuminating.

Review by Ronan of the Borders on 2009-06-26 16:45:07
Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

An incredibly sad story of a friendship between two boys, Amir and Hassan.
This dangerous friendship between the two boys is one day destroyed when something terrible happens to Hassan.
The Russians have started to invade Afghanistan and so must Amir and his family run away to America.
Upon return to his homeland Amir must deal with his past and face all the ghosts that greet him.
A story that is sure to make you cry, feel humbled and just stay with you long after you have put it down.
To read this book is to gain knowledge of what life is like in the eyes of children.

Review by Ashley Tidman on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

Do you agree? (Agreements: 0, Disagreements: 0)
Kite runner (14 of 20 competition)

A powerful novel set in Afghanistan, this is the story of Amir and his best friend who are torn apart by shame and jealousy. After the Russian invasion, and a new life in America, Amir must return to his home country under the Taliban to make amends. However this book is so much more that that. It is about loyalty, honour and forgiveness. Wonderfully written, and an insight to what it would be like to grow up in a country which has suffered so much.

Review by Alison Kwiatkowska on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

Do you agree? (Agreements: 0, Disagreements: 0)
An Essential Read

This book's been around a while now, but if you haven't read it yet, do it now. A heartbreaking story of friendship set against the invasion of Afghanistan- firstly by the Russian Army, and then by the Taliban. The political upheaval is surpassed by the emotional turmoil, as one friend betrays the other and is then offered a chance of redemption. A great book.

Review by Paul Thornton on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

Do you agree? (Agreements: 0, Disagreements: 0)