AFGHAN KITE RUNNER

Published in 2003 by Riverhead Books, this master novel tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akber Khan district of Kabul, whose closest friend is Hassan.

The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy through the Soviet military intervention, the exodus of Afghan refugees to Pakistan and the United States and the rise of Taliban regime.

THE KITE RUNNER is the first novel by Afghan writer Khaled Hosseni published in 2003. It was  the best seller for over two years with more than seven million copies sold in the United States.

Besides this, this is one of the best books  I have read this year which taught me a great deal about love, friendship and compassion.

Amir and Hassan are the two main pillars of the story. Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant while Hassan is the son of Amir's father servant Ali. They both are best friends and their story begins with  kite-flying competition. When Amir won, Hassan could run to bring the kite. They had a very strong love.

Amir witnesses Hazar harming Hassan which leaves him helpless. As Amir's birthday celebrations take place, he tells his father to fire both.

After many years, Amir went to America, for the completion of his higher education where he realised that he he had done very bad with his friend Hasan and his father. For the recovery of his mistake he started to find them back.

Sometimes when we realise our past mistakes, we can go very far to recover that.

Reviews were generally positive, though parts of the plot drew significant controversy in Afghanistan. A number of adaptions were created following publication, including a 2007 film of the same name., several stage performances and a graphic novel.

The World Students Society thanks the 'author of the review' Student Hazari KB.