Book Review : The Kite Runner By Khalid Hosseini

The art of book writing has ceased since the time book writing has become a lucrative entry to Hollywood. Almost all new writers and their works feel like as if they were a draft screenplay for a Hollywood movie. When you have authors writing not for a book, but for a movie, the essence of reading a book is lost (and I might as well wait for the movie itself!). However in spite of its screenplay-ish nature and rather filmy moments, Khalid Hosseni's first work "The Kite Runner" sustains considerable interest throughout and doesn't let go till the end. That in itself is no mean feat.

The Book

The Kite Runner begins brilliantly, but once one of the principal characters fades into the background, the book considerably deteriorates into a screenplay. Not that it doesn't hold interest, but predictable situations and dialogues begin to hurt what could have been an excellent debut novel.

The Kite Runner chronicles the life of Amir who narrates the story of his life since his childhood from 1975, when Afghanistan was about to be run over by Soviets. The historical premise for the novel is indeed very interesting, and various times reflect the conflict and turmoil within Amir himself. The story is also about his friend Hassan, who is also his servant. The initial years of Amir and Hassan are built up beautifully - the story telling is ecstatic and it builds the drama superbly till the author decided to turn the book into a movie. The book chronicles decades of his life from Afghanistan to the United States, then back to Afghanistan.

Saying anything more about this book will ruin it for you, so I will refrain from giving out any more of the story. However, I have to say that somewhere along the way, you just know what is going to happen next, and that is where the book begins to falter. Though it ends on a subtle and a very nice note, its impossible to ignore that Hosseni was already planning a Hollywood entry with this book. (and for those interested, there is a movie coming out directed by Sam-EvilDead-Mendes next year).

What I liked:

* Simple story telling

* No complicated plot turns and events

* Tugs your heart at places, especially in initial chapters and towards the end

What I spiked

* Could have been so much better if the author and not reverted to screenplay tactics

* The character of Amir is really irritating and malformed at many places in the book.

Overall

The book is a "feel-good" book, perfect for in-flight reading. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

This review was also crossposted on my personal blog here