The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini is an amazing first novel.

You will fly to new heights of emotion while reading this powerful and poignant novel about one man’s journey to find himself, to redeem and transform himself, to forgive himself, and his familial past, forgive his own betrayals and failings, in order to go forward with his future.

Amir returns to his homeland after the ravages of war, after the Taliban has gained control, after the country has struggled to survive over adversity. The memories of his childhood choices that have haunted him, and that have imprisoned him within his Self, come to surface in overwhelming ways, as he remembers his friendship with Hassan, their boyhood adventures, and his betrayal to the Hassan, who would in the end, allow him (Amir) to forgive himself and redeem himself. We are given intimate perspectives of life and emotions, thoughts and feelings.

The Kite Runner is also an excellent study on family, friendship and relationships intertwining within the familial structure.  An overbearing father (although loving), a motherless son, a friend who is basically his unequal, in societal eyes, all come together in a blend of excellence through Hosseini’s gifted writing skills.

Hosseini gives us glimpses into the Middle East and the cultural mores and expectations, that we might not have imagined exist.  Applause, applause, for this insightful and intimate view of childhood, adulthood, Afghanistan, and the lives we weave for ourselves.

The Kite Runner is not a book written by a Jew and is not about Jews. It is a beautifully written book, filled with lovely descriptive prose and details that fill our senses.  The story is poignant, often heart-wrenching, and one that I will not soon forget.

I personally own and read this book when it first came out.  I remember being in a book store, standing next to a man who had picked up a copy of the book, off a table of newly released paperbacks.  He asked me if I had read the book, and I replied that I had, when it first came out.  He said he did too, and that he has been affected by it ever since (my feelings, also).  He asked me if I knew if Hosseini had written another book, and at that time, he hadn’t, and I told the man that as far as I knew there was no other book written by him.  It was quite an experience to be standing there, discussing the author and the book, out of the blue with a total stranger.

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I saw the film version on Friday, and it was extremely well done, an excellent film with terrific actors. The film is just as poignant as the book, reflects the entire book and didn’t disappoint me for one minute.

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Peace to you all…Jew Wishes

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