The name would have struck some bells. It was the famous book written by khaled Hosseini. I recently read the book and was totally captivated by it. The story begins with 1970s Afghanistan ,western America from an Afghan view and Afghanistan during the Taliban rule.
Plot
In the 70's in Afghanistan, the Pushtun boy Amir and the Hazara boy Hassan, who is his loyal friend and son of their Hazara servant Ali, are raised together in Amir's father house, playing and kitting on the streets of a peaceful Kabul. Amir feels that his wise and good father Baba blames him for the death of his mother in the delivery, and also that his father loves and prefers Hassan to him. In return, Amir feels a great respect for his father's best friend Rahim Khan, who supports his intention to become a writer. After Amir winning a competition of kitting, Hassan runs to bring a kite to Amir, but he is beaten and raped by the brutal Assef in an empty street to protect Amir's kite; the coward Amir witness the assault but does not help the loyal Hassan. On the day after his birthday party, Amir hides his new watch in Hassam's bed to frame the boy as a thief and force his father to fire Ali, releasing his conscience from recalling his cowardice and betrayal. In 1979, the Russians invade Afghanistan and Baba and Amir escape to Pakistan. In 1988, they have a simple life in Fremont, California, when Amir graduates in a public college for the pride and joy of Baba. Later Amir meets his countrywoman Soraya and they get married. In 2000, after the death of Baba, Amir is a famous novelist and receives a phone call from the terminal Rahim Khan, who discloses secrets about his family, forcing Amir to return to Peshawar, in Pakistan, in a journey of redemption
Characters :
Everything in the story is portrayed through the eyes of Amir who plays the protagonist. All through the drama he repents for the childhood sin he had committed. Khaled has displayed an array of emotions expressing the sentiment. Its just whenever has committed an sin first time they want to distance themselves from it as far as possible. Yet there is always an undercurrent flowing in their heart. Amir’s emotions largely reflect this part and during the part where he is crying for redemption you largely sympathize him.
The ever smiling Hasan who can forgive whatever Amir has done. He potrays the essence of friendship and brotherhood. Hasan is always a good friend throughout the drama though Amir has betrayed him. Khaled has potrayed him as the guardian of good angel.There is always a villain to make the hero strong and powerful. Moreover the hero is fighting for redemption. The villainous part is played by Assef who becomes the face of Taliban in this book and from childhood displays cruelty as part of nature
Towering above all this is Baba (Amir’s father). He is the one fighting for justice As in one particular point Amir asks the question to himself referring to Baba “Why does it always have to be him ?”. Though his character is facing some morality issues later in the story he and his friend Rahim Khan would have captured a place in your heart .
History:
Afghanistan is not the land of terrorists. It was made and more miserable by the frequent wars . Its that we welcome whenever change comes(Obama used the word Change to sit on the throne of President). It was that when Taliban came to free the Afghans out of misery caused by Russians they welcomed them with open Hands. But as in old Tamil Proverb which says
When we tried to dig a well there came a demon
Taliban was a demon in all aspects
Real Life Implications
The characters involved are more evident in each one of our lives might be some though not to the dramatization levels in the book. Considering me as an example
Throughout the book Khaled has played a soft tune which engrosses you in its melody. Khaled has really played with emotions in this book.
The GiveAway
The only place the book faces a lag is the part where Amir takes back Hasan’s child to America. During this part you know the outcome but the outcome is 25 pages away. It just moves on a slow pace here to give the much needed happy ending you need.
Verdict
An excellent engrosser which keeps you involved in the plot and makes for an emotional drama.Would I recommend it to fellow readers
For You a Thousand times over
