Reviewed by E. Mankowski, May 2021
During the early 2000s, the United States was still recovering from the terrorist attacks in 2001 on the twin towers. The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a work of historical fiction intended to demonstrate the issues Afghanistan culture has with assimilation, identity, and power. Throughout the story, the protagonist, Amir, struggles to earn favor with his critical father. The audience develops a connection with Amir based on circumstance rather than personality, as Amir demonstrates self-centered behavior in his youth. When the monarchy falls and the Soviet Union invades, Amir and his father flee to America, where Amir pursues his dream of becoming a writer. Amir only returns to Afghanistan upon the summoning of his father’s old business partner, who has secrets he wishes to reveal which will uncover the truth behind Amir’s father. High school readers who enjoy drama and significant character development will love this novel.