This is one of the most heart breaking novels I have ever read. Amir, 12 when we meet him, lives in Afghanistan with his wealthy father and their two servents, Hassan and Ali. Amir and Hassan grow up together but find it increasingly difficult to remain friends, Amir being Pashtun and Hassan being Hazara. Amir is eventually forced to choose between protecting himself or Hassan and their friendship. At the start of the Soviet invasion, Amir and his father flee to California. Years later, Amir is called back to Afghanistan to help make amends for his past.
This novel helped put into perspective the past few decades of Afghan history. If only for that I would recommend it. But Hosseini's characters are so wonderful as well. I suspect that most people see a bit of themselves in Amir, both as a young boy and as he matures. I hope that when I reread this book in a few years time, I will see more of myself in Hassan.
My next project, after my current book is to read Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns.
8 kites out of 10.
Steph
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