The Kite Runner

For you, a thousand times over!

Last night, I re-read this book and like the first time, I was crying by the time I reached the end. The author, Khaled Hosseini, heeds the first tenet of writing: write from what you know. He succeeds by writing about his native country, Afghanistan, before and after the Russians came and during the Taliban reign of terror.

It is a story about relationships: fathers and sons, masters and slaves, friends and enemies. It is a story of growing up in what could be considered an upper class family (for Afghanistan anyway) and the "struggles" of the rich and powerful. It is a story of what happens when you lie and the consequences of the lie. How one lie will lead to another and pretty soon, the lies get distorted that they become the "truth". It is a story of a friendship between two boys changed by an incident that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. It is a story of "doing the right thing" everytime and not worrying about the consequences. It is a story of hope and redemption for the main character, Amir, and for the country of Afghanistan.

The accounts of the Russian rule and Taliban reign are riveting. They have changed a moderate country into something rabid. Becoming men during these two tumultuous times in the eccentric's history require a change in thinking and behavior. One either flees to the west and assimilate in its own rules or stay in the country and be a Taliban fighter. It is interesting to note that the author even comments about the lack of fathers in Afghanistan. They're either dead, in hiding or has become a "freedom fighter". The lack of male role models in the country has led to a generation of boys not knowing how to become men. Instead, they have become savages, all in the name of "purity". The Taliban has consistently tried to eradicate a certain "breed" of Afghans in the belief that they are impure and is giving the entire country a bad reputation. Sort of like what Hitler tried with the Jews during the WW II. In the end, Amir (after moving to America) goes back to Afghanistan and risks his own life in order to save another life. How he does it and why is the crux of the novel.

Read this very timely book. In order to understand a totally different culture, we must learn what it's like to live there. The author, who is a medical doctor by profession, has allowed us a glimpse of his native country, the men who ruled the country and the results of following a "blind" policy.

We are all from somewhere other than where we are currently located. Our ancestors have moved a lot in the hopes of improving their lives. As generations succeed each generation, it becomes more urgent that our heritage be preserved and kept alive. It is our responsibility to teach others where we come from and who we are as a nation of distinct people. We should be proud of our accomplishment as successful contributors to the betterment of mankind. Only then can we step up and be a citizen of the world.