The Kite Runner

What will you learn about history?
The Kite Runner provides insight into the recent history of Afghanistan through the eyes of the son of a wealthy merchant who flees to America as a boy. The story starts with the ethnic divisions that existed in Afghanistan in the 1970's and continues with the Russian invasion that forces many to flee their homeland. Readers experience the struggle that faces emigrants and they make life and death decisions and deals to escape. Amir provides readers with a story of an immigrant overcoming hardship and becoming successful in a new country. Then as Amir faces his past mistakes the story returns to Afghanistan and describes the horrors that occurred during the Taliban rule.

Why should you read it?
This book is not meant to be historical fiction even though it captures the tumultuous history of Afghanistan. The theme of the story is loyalty and brotherhood. It is a story of two boys who become friends even though they are of different ethnic groups and social statuses. It is an emotional journey as Amir rebuilds his life and then returns to his homeland to reaffirm his love for the friend he once denied.