The Kite Runner

Check out this cover art. It looks so innocent, doesn't it? Trust me, once you have read the book this cute picture of the little boy will have a haunting new meaning.

Although this wasn't a list text, it probably should have been. I had heard so much about how fabulous it was, and had been meaning to read it for ages. In the end, I read it to help out someone I was working with... but this is one of those times where work actually brings joy.

This is a mesmerising book, both beautifully plotted and well-written. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but "The Kite Runner" is a story of guilt and redemption. Set in both Afganistan and America, what starts as a description of a charming friendship between two boys, quickly becomes a condemnation of the ruling classes of this country, and those who do not stand up to oppose injustice. Amir is haunted by his betrayal of his childhood friend Hassan... as he becomes a man he feels nothing can expunge this unspoken sin from his soul.

Never fear though! Hosseini is an author with a penchant for reciprocity and that nice circular format that all novels of redemption take. Pretty much everyone gets what they deserve, and Amir is able to understand and atone for the terrible sin of his childhood.

It's about to become a movie, so I really do suggest that all devoted readers pick this up before we are delivered a Hollywood version. We all know the book is always better than the film right? Don't be tempted to take the easy way out! This is not a difficult read by any standards (it is on high school text lists), but definitely worthwhile. This is one of the best books I have blogged about so far.