‘The Kite Runner’ is the debut novel by Khaled Hossieni published in 2003. The novel is set in the backdrop of Afghanistan, tracing the political history of Afghanistan, the tumultuous events including the fall of monarchy, the Soviet invasion, the refugee flight and the Taliban regime. The Kite Runner narrates the story of two friends, Amir and Hassan, around whom the whole novel revolves. The first part of the novel narrates the story of their in-depth friendship in the backdrop of the monarchial regime in Afghanistan. The second part involves the Soviet invasion and migration into Pakistan and United States of America. The third part narrates the subsequent Taliban regime and the social situation in Afghanistan.

Amir who is from Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul befriends Hassan, a Hazara boy. Amir’s father Baba considers him to be very timid and is much fond of Hassan. Baba considers Hassan to be more masculine, and despite their friendship Amir develops a dislike towards Hassan. Hassan is the son of Ali, a polio affected man, and servant at Amir’s, and Sanaubar. Hassan is a great Kite Runner and Amir is all praise for Hassan’s skills. Amir is more into writing and sees himself as an author. He is greatly supported by Rahim Khan, a loyal friend of Baba and Amir’s mentor.

The antagonist of the novel is Assef, a teenager, Son of an Afghan father and a German mother, who disapproves Amir’s friendship with Hassan. One day Hassan is physically tortured by Assey in front of Amir but Amir does not react. This incident generates a gap in their friendship, and Amir’s guilt and fear develops into him playing tricks to get Hassan out of his place and he succeeds.

Subsequently, the Soviet invasion forces Amir and Baba to flee to Pakistan and thereon to America. They settle in California, Amir becomes a writer and marries Soraya, daughter of Afghan General Taheri and Khanum Jamila, whom he meets in America. Baba dies of cancer. In the meantime, Amir is called back by Rahim Khan and there the true identity of Hassan is revealed. Amir is then on a mission to save Hassan’s son Sohrab. Here the pathetic situation confronted by Afghanistan during the Taliban regime is highlighted. Also the antagonist, Assef re-emerges. The novel ends on a positive note when Amir unites with Sohrab and they live happily with Soraya. The other major characters in the novel are Farid, a Taxi Driver and Farzana, Hassan’s wife.

The novel throws light on the social and political milieu of Afghanistan. Through the story of friendship of two kids Hosseini has provided a beautiful and strong picture of Afghanistan. The novel has been received with mixed response by the western and eastern world. The work has been made into a movie by the same name.
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