The Kite Runner

Afghanistan. The immediate image that comes to mind is that of guns, broken down buildings and the sound of heavy shelling. But the moment one opens the Kiterunner, this notion is dispelled. Hosseini paints a picture of blue skies, snowy rooftops, warm fireplaces, good food and happiness. And then come the Russians. Following them are the famous "liberators", the Taliban. Amir, the protagonist, is astounded at the change that the town of his childhood has undergone when he returns after several years. THIS, is the Afghanistan that all of us are familiar with. The Afghanistan that is painted in newspapers and television channels around the world, showing the people as bloodthirsty and the place as war torn. But this book is a must read for anyone who wants a peek into the real Afghanistan with its colourful kite competitions and tasty naans.

Further reading:

Here is a review by the New York Times

A terse but organised review of the book can be found here and another one here

For more about Khaled Hosseini himself check out this personal website