Guide Note

Khaled Hosseini's novel The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir through his childhood and how, as an adult, he deals with his betrayal of his boyhood friend Hassan. The book is set against the backdrop of Afghan historical events such as the Soviet invasion, the exodus to Pakistan, and the rise of the Taliban.

Fast Facts

1. Author: Khaled Hosseini
2. Publication Date: May 29, 2003
3. Pages: 371 (Hardcover)
4. Publisher: Riverhead Books
5. ISBN: 978-1573222457 (Hardcover)
6. First English-language novel from an Afghani author
7. New York Times Bestseller: Over two years
8. Film Adaptation: 2007, Dreamworks Pictures

The Kite Runner Reviews

1. An astounding and humbling story of corruption, guilt and redemption. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2. Stunning…a complete work of literature that succeeds in exploring the culture of a previously obscure nation that has become a pivot point in the global politics of the new millennium. -- Publishers Weekly
3. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini gives us a vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence – forces that continue to threaten them even today. -- The New York Times Book Review
4. A powerful book…no frills, no nonsense, just hard, spare prose…an intimate account of family and friendship, betrayal and salvation that requires no atlas or translation to engage and enlighten us. -- The Washington Post Book World