What does it feels like to be loved without reason, only to ignore it, and then to regret and curse yourself? I think this is what Amir, the character in the book The Kite Runner, feels throughout the story.
I recently finished reading Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner. I think it does not have that long page, it is just around 300 pages or so. I bought it at an auction for a non-profit organization.
Actually, I knew nothing about this novel beforehand. I picked it randomly because I wanted to read something from the Middle East. Honestly, I thought the author was from Iran.
However, a friend from my book club told me it was an amazing book. I always think such high praise is exaggerated, so I didn’t immediately believe it.
But then I remembered our discussion about Fleabag, a TV series I like and she is interested in And I think, people who like Fleabag must have good taste. I mean, that series is really awesome, dragon oh my god.
Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I decided to read The Kite Runner as soon as possible, though it took me less than two weeks. (Still quite a while, but you know with life and everything.)
I find it hard not to remember “Janji Sepasang Layang-Layang,” a novel I read in elementary school when reading The Kite Runner. Both share similarities — kites and a close friendship between two people.
However, The Kite Runner is far more heart-wrenching, deeper, more terrifying, sadder, more mature, more significant, and many other things (tandanya nga tau mau jelasin apa lagi wkwkwk).
I think the main difference is that I read one when I was in fifth grade and the other as an adult, so I understand more of the background and context of the story.
Let me emphasize, that both left a strong impression. But let’s delve deeper into The Kite Runner.
I started to like this book when I read that Amir was writing a story about a man whose tears turn into pearls. This man becomes rich from his tears but eventually becomes greedy and wants more pearls. In his desperation, he kills his wife to produce more tears and pearls.
Hassan, always supportive of Amir and admiring his stories, listens attentively. After hearing it, Hassan points out a plot hole: instead of killing his wife, the man could have simply cut an onion to make himself cry. This observation shows Hassan’s intelligence and insight, and his honest relationship with Amir where he’s not afraid to critique shortcomings constructively.
I found it so interesting.
The Kite Runner is Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel. As a first work, it surely reflects much of his own experiences.
Khaled himself is an immigrant from Afghanistan who sought asylum and now writes this novel while living in America.
Kabul, as the initial setting of the novel, is vividly portrayed. Like many cities in the Middle East, the everyday stories in the markets and villages of Kabul feel surreal, considering what has happened in the past 20–30 years.
From this novel, I also gained a better understanding of how conflict and war can transform a city and bury memories. Even the description of Kabul when the character Amir was a child versus when he returned as an adult feels vastly different.
Not long after finishing this novel, a thread about Kabul appeared on my Twitter timeline. After reading The Kite Runner, it feels like I have lived there myself.
Emotionally draining
Reading The Kite Runner is truly emotionally draining. I was taken aback when I first read the most touching quote in the novel: “For you, a thousand times over.”
How such a simple sentence can hold so much meaning.
As the story unfolds, the book is woven with the thread that you cannot be half-hearted for love. You must let go of everything. You must try again, even a thousand times if necessary.
The character development is also captivating. The layers of the characters are so deep that they feel incredibly strong and real.
Both external and internal conflicts are discussed intensely. In Amir’s character, the internal conflicts are deeply felt. At certain moments, he has to think long and hard about the decisions he is considering. The external conflicts are equally compelling. The sequence of war and conflicts in Afghanistan provides a new insight. Amir’s relationships with other characters are also intriguing.
I think I’m starting to ramble too much, so this concludes my take on the novel.
I feel this novel is about a journey of self-discovery. A journey to discover how powerful and amazing love can be. A journey to find oneself. A journey to acceptance. Because in the end, whether you like it or not, you have to reconcile with your past and fix what will happen in your future. The Kite Runner is a memoir of learning to love sincerely. Learning to give without expecting anything in return. Learning to see destiny as more than just black-and-white measurements.
I think this novel brings so much about love and loyalty.
P.S.: I should add more context on how fascinating this novel was, and talk more about the part of love and loyalty, but I am tired and I don't know how to explain it ahaha. And this piece is quite messy, perhaps I should put a better structure, or is it better to keep it in this messy narrative? Your feedback would be appreciated for improvement.
