I vividly remember the day I came across this masterpiece. I was crossing a local market when I noticed a kid, sitting with a bedsheet covered with books spread in front of him on the side of the road. As I had noticed the books, I had to stop by and look at them. Yes, that's how it works with me, I see books and I start to linger. However, nothing seemed too appealing at that time, so I was about to leave and that's when the kid randomly picked a book and started exaggerating it so that I buy it. Little was he aware that he was unknowingly selling me something that I will cherish forever. That's how I encountered a tale of love, guilt, and redemption written by Khaled Hosseini in his book "The Kite Runner".
It's a thought-provoking story of two friends, Amir and Hassan, elegantly weaved around multiple dimensions like friendship, the horrors of the past, societal hierarchies, betrayal, love, expectation, the Afgan refugee diaspora, their struggle, and the dynamics of the upsurge and downfall of the Taliban regime. The cultural heritage of Afghanistan, its history, customs, cuisine, and traditions can be observed flowing throughout the story, compelling the readers to take an imaginary trip to Afghanistan.
Amir, as he says, "I opened my mouth, almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn't", depicts how sometimes we choose to live with a life long guilt or the act of betraying someone close rather than being courageous enough to stand for the truth. It's startling that in an attempt to keep up with the expectations of someone, we end up throwing others under the bus even if it means being disloyal to those who have spent their lives persistently adhering to, "For you a thousand times over." Amir's betrayal, guilt, and later on his quest for redemption coupled with Hassan's loyalty, devotion, and faith in his Amir Agha along with his perpetual courage to endure everything that life throws at him, altogether leaves an impenetrable impact and compels you to contemplate your own relationships.
(Well, I can go on and on writing about it but trying to refrain from giving any spoilers. Also, while you give it a read, don't forget to keep a box of tissue paper next to you and thank me later for the suggestion.)
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