2005 Year in Review

The Kite Runner

I sit before this computer struggling for the words to describe this book. Awesome, Inspiring, Haunting, Eloquent, Beautiful, Brilliant! All adjectives that do not relate the power of this book. It is a must read!!

This is the story of two young boys, Amir and Hassan, living in Afghanistan, and their heartbreaking story of an unlikely friendship that takes place over a period of time. It is also an eloquent story about the fragile relationships between fathers and sons, men and their countries, and an incredible story of culture. There are brilliant and startling plot twists that are memorable both politically and culturally. However, this is a revealing tale about how childhood choices affect our adult lives.

Amir is the privileged son of Baba, a wealthy merchant in Afghanistan during the 1970”s, before the Russians invaded. Hassan, the son of Baba’s servant, whose first word is “Amir”, is the thread that ties the book together. The fragility of Amir and Hassan’s relationship, symbolized by the kites the boys fly together, is tested as they watch their old way of life disappear. As the story unfolds, the reader is gripped by the love, sacrifice, and loyalty portrayed by the character of Hassan. Hassan’s haunting words at the beginning of the book set the tone: “For you, a thousand times over.”

The book set over a twenty-five year time period begins with a phone call. Amir, living in California, hears the words, ”There is a way to be good again.” The author then uses flashback to tell this incredible story of redemption. “I thought about Hassan. Thought about Baba, Ali, Kabul. I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today.” Thus, begins this remarkable tale.

The frame of the story is the rhythm of life. For at the end of the novel, the author brings life full circle in an arc of grace and redeeming activity. “I wondered if this was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” The eloquence of Amir’s thoughts reveals a truly provocative work of literature with rare healing power.

I loved this book! It is a story that transcends time and country. It is a story of humanity!! If you read nothing else this year, read this book!!

by Anne Frame, Guest Columnist
February 17, 2005