I just finished reading Khaled’s Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and what a delight it was. It is a beautifully-written tale about growing up in Afghanistan in the 1970’s. Narrated by Amir, born to a privileged family in the heyday of the country, Kite Runner is the story of finding friendship, redemption and love in a nation shattered by the years and by a spate of wars.
At first I had my doubts about this book, as I thought it would be another one of those "politically-correct" novels in which the author talks to no end about living under oppression and how the world should sympathize with his misery. I feared it would be one of those books that embellish oppression and customize it to appeal to a mass mainstream audience. I was mistaken.
The book didn’t talk endlessly about the horrors of the Taliban, although it was mentioned briefly. Instead it dissected the inner self and the battle to overcome a deep-rooted sense of guilt. If you are looking for a good book to put your hands on, the Kite Runner is a fine choice.
Next on my reading list — although I’m struggling to find time to do so –- is the Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring). Finally! I gave my word to Roba that I would commit myself to this masterpiece after years of procrastination.
The Sunday Times once said: "The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings and those who are going to read them." I have belonged to the second category for years now. It is about time to change this status!
Hey Natasha! Just stopping by your blog to say, “hi!”
I hope all is well with you…
yf,
Your review was a million times more articulate than anything I could have ever written about this book! I also was a bit worried that it would be all about the Taliban. Instead, I thought it provided a window into an Afghanistan very few of us could have imagined.
Hey Meloncholygirl,
Welcome to Mental Mayhem. Yeah type pad was down yesterday for maintenance, but now all is good. I started reading lord of the rings last night and so far so good;-) I will post a review as soon as I’m done with it which might take forever as I’m a very slow reader;-)
opps-soory, i enter my url incorrectly! my apologies…
Hi Natasha! Thank you for stopping by my blog. I read you review: I concur 100%. I will post my review within the next few days…
I tried to leave a message for you on your site but, type pad was under maintanance. i will visit you there again soon, (i am hoping that you will stop by and read this, so you know that i did read and enjoy your review of this amazing novel!)
You are going to love reading, The J.R.R. Tolken Trilogy. *smiles* I am one of the people in the masses who has read it 😉 I am relly looking forward to your review on that novel =)
Take care. Please do stay in touch…
Dear Anette,
First of all welcome to Mental Mayhem. I’m from the Middle East and the book was an eye opener for me as well. I did not know what a Hazara was before reading this novel. Looking forward to reading your blogging notes.
As a westerner, there are many things in Khaled Hosseini’s kite runner that opened my eyes. I was not aware of the ethnic diversity and social structure of present day Afghanistan. For example, Ali and Hassan were Hazaras and so their destiny was prescribed. I also found Hosseini’s insights into the Afghan community in Freemont, California very interesting.
Ironically, I read the Kite Runner for a book club at the Anglican Church I attend. The discussion will take place on January 25th and I will blog my notes.
Way to go Roba, I like you already! LotR is my absolute life-favorite in book and film. I just finished Silmarillion that gives unending detail about the origins af all the culture and character.
Tell us how you like it, Natasha!