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Dec 07, 2020YourLocalReader rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Kite Runner entrances readers to follow Amir’s story of redemption over past events. Amir, now an adult, is haunted over his childhood in Afghanistan, where his poor treatment of his best friend had lingering effects. Amir debates on returning to Afghanistan to make amends with his past or to safely remain in America with a heavy burden.I have very mixed feelings about The Kite Runner. One of my favorite parts of the novel was simply the setting: Afghanistan. I love how this book contrasts every stereotype or media’s portrayal of Afghanistan to reveal an honest glimpse into the country. I learned so many cultural terms and traditions from this novel with the reasoning behind their importance. The novel can be classified as a historical fiction drama. The historical elements sparked my interest since I was unaware of prior political conflicts in Afghanistan. There is so much thought put into this book through complex symbolism and foreshadowing. I didn’t expect any of the plot twists; the execution was precise without any hesitation or confusion. Surprisingly, I loved Amir’s character. He is a clear example of a sympathetic character, not the most likable. He made mistakes that hindered his relationships with other people, but you can’t help relate to how common his flaws are. The messages in this book are clear; I like the form of using flashbacks and letters as a form of writing in some parts of the book. However, some aspects bothered me. The ending for me was unsatisfying. It ended on an interpretation, which could be good or bad, depending on the reader. I wanted to see an epilogue or a clear path to where the future will lead this story. One of the character’s personalities was slightly unrealistic. It made him not as personable as a character to me. However, the flaws were slight compared to my enjoyment throughout reading this book. The theme of redemption is a concept that is worth exploring; the author explains his interpretation beautifully. This book is not a light read; it will be hard to read at some parts, but you will be sure to learn about what it means to correct your mistakes no matter how difficult it seems. TW: Rape, graphic violence, mentions of sexual abuse, crude language at times Age Recommendation: 15+, depends on maturity level