Kite Runner, The
Hosseini, KhaledNarrated by Amir, a forty-year-old novelist living in California. He tells the story of a boyhood friendship destroyed by jealousy, fear and ruthless evil that transcends politics. Running parallel to this personal narrative of loss and redemption, is the story of modern Afghanistan and of Amir's relationship with the war-torn city of his birth.
Comments from Groups
Quite a harrowing story; the main character is not really likeable as very self-centred, but he does redeem himself at the end. Auckland 273
[The group] found it raw, well written, emotional and thought-provoking. Nelson 050
This is a brilliant, well-written, page-turning book - a revelation. Christchurch 265
A cracker of a book...lucid and so easy to read. The story line never flagged...giving a graphic snapshot of living conditions in Afghanistan at that time. Tauranga 005
Everyone liked this book, although some more than others...there was a lot to discuss and it was quite lively with everyone contributing to the discussion. Nelson 041
Enjoyed by everyone. Read like a biography. Whangarei 017
"...very current and historical. What a long sad history the country has. All enjoyed a good read with a believable ending." Wairoa 001
Well written, albeit a rather harrowing read. It drip feeds interesting details about pre and post 1980 Afghanistan, but also explores universal themes (racial and social inequality, the futility of war, father-son relationships, sibling rivalry and atonement). Good discussion questions. Warmly recommended. Palmerston North 025
Most members found this a very powerful book, but a couple just couldn't read it. We couldn't say we enjoyed the book, but it did highlight the huge difficulties facing much of the population in Afghanistan, and in many other countries too, of course. It is hard to see how some problems will ever be resolved. Waiau 002
We all enjoyed the book although some found it a tad systematic. We were affected by the graphic details of violence, but found the historical information interesting. Wellington 016
The book was a favourite - everyone enjoyed it. We had a good meaty discussion on first the book, then the politics. Wairoa 002
We won't forget this book in a hurry. We wonder if it will end up being taught in secondary school English classes. Tapanui 002
Beautifully written - reading it was a delight, although uncomfortable at times. In my first read through, I skipped the "scary" bits until I was assured of a positive ending. Others found the notes with the background history to be interesting and educational. A couple of members didn't like where the story was going and didn't complete it. Auckland 314
The book made us thankful we live in a country not corrupt or torn apart like Afghanistan. Innocent victims like Hassan are always the hardest to forget....Te Horo 001
A number of members who had already read this book could not read it a second time, because some content upset them. Others read it and enjoyed it even more with the second reading. Palmerston North 004
Our previous book to this one was "I Is For Infidel". To have this title straight after it was wonderful. The country and situation there had already been explained to us, so we had a much better understanding of the problems. Everybody loved it. Taupo 003
324
2003