The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Autobiographical novel about Afghanistan just before and after
the arrival of the Taliban. The story details the awful events
carried out by the Taliban and makes grim reading. However, it is
a powerful and compelling story.
Doreen 17/7/04
A true story of growing up in Afghanistan before the Russian
invasion. The author, born in 1963, grows up in a reasonably
comfortable home and reasonably privileged society, and a central
theme of the book is his relationship with his servant. However,
on gaining political asylum in the United States in 1980, he
discovers he is no longer part of that privileged society.
Gill 15/8/04
A story set in Afghanistan about a boyhood friendship across a
class divide. It is about the breakdown of relationships and of
Afghanistan itself under the Taliban. It is an easy read, but
powerful and compelling.
Andrew 24/10/04
Seán thought this a really good book, totally involving,
with contemporary and past episodes integrating well. Conveyed
much of how Afghanistan was, prior to the Taliban. Very moving,
probably essentially truthful, even though it is clearly fiction.
Emotionally involving.
Seán 26/12/04
Caroline liked this, especially the authentic not-happy ending
and she found it engrossing.
Bob had thought it trite.
Caroline 20/3/05
This story reminded Daniella of her childhood in Algeria with its descriptions of the family/servant relationship. The book is very good and has a simple, flowing style which is easy to read.
Daniella 5/2/06
This was absolutely wonderful. Christine couldn’t put it down. A strong moral theme runs through it
Christine 9/4/06
Rory learnt a lot about Afghanistan and loved the characters in this book. An interesting well-paced story though the plot is a bit manipulated with slightly too many coincidences.
Rory 7/5/06
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.