Kim
Rating:
Review
I liked this book because it was well-written and unpredictable, but had there not been two people who recommended this book to me, I wouldn’t have picked it up. The quotes on the back of this paperback, meant to pique interest I’m sure, were vague and humdrum. Maybe the publisher did that on purpose, because I was quite surprised to find this book all consuming. Beginning in 2001, our main character, Amir, begins his account of his life so far, stating early that he became the person he is today in 1975, at the age of 12. At that time, we are also introduced to his friend, Hassan, who is a servant in his family’s home in Kabul, Afghanistan. While Amir clearly values his friendship with Hassan, both boys also know that they have their “places” in the house, around friends and strangers, and in their country. There were a few events that took place in this book that I was genuinely horrified about, since I was hooked on these characters from the beginning. Be prepared to stay up late reading this one.
Best Line:
“For you a thousand times over!
Suzanne
Rating:
Review
I chose this book partly to read about life in Afghanistan before and during the Russian invasion and the Taliban takeover. The first part was hard to read, as it deals with a gutless choice not to do the right thing. I had to keep reminding myself that the protagonist, Amir, was just a child. His best friend, Hassan, is a servant in the house. Their friendship is a big part of the story, as are their different sensibilities and different ethnic backgrounds. It’s also the story of Amir’s relationship with his father, and how it changes as Amir grows up and learns more about him. I enjoyed the second part of the book more. As the story of one Afghan’s life, it’s important to keep in mind that Amir’s childhood was very privileged - so much so that a fellow countryman tells Amir he’s always been a tourist in his own country without even knowing it. It was interesting to hear about Afghanistan from a source other than the media, even if the story is a rather dark one.
Best Line:
“Kabul had become a city of ghosts for me. A city of harelipped ghosts.” (pg. 136)
