What a beautiful story. Sometimes one might want to just enjoy a book without rushing off to share it’s secrets, details, and critics. In one way, I feel that way about this book, that it is an intimate experience that I have had the luxury of reading, for myself alone to swallow and grow from. On the other hand, it was a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and that status only diminishes the romance and gratification from this well-renowned tale. I once had a conversation about The Great Gatsby, and the fact that it was so widely successful might indicate that it is not as good as it’s reputation. I reread that book this year (and instead of writing a review of the masterpiece, I just enjoyed it) and perhaps most people are better off than the media thinks we all are. In other words, people still know what is good. That is not to say, that every piece of well-written literature will be discovered on the NYT Bestselling list, but what is luckily discovered, might deservedly sit on that throne.
I am filled with conflicting emotion after reading this book, and that is the sign of a good story. It is not an “emotional rollercoaster” or a “page-turner” but it is emotional, and I did find myself enticed with certain parts. What is remarkable is just how believable it is, and how utterly disappointed I am that it is not a true story. Khaled Hosseini has a gift. He somehow is able to make you relate and resent the main character of his book, Amir. The boyhood traumas and guilt unfairly follow Amir throughout his life, which is a battle that is worthy of being recognized. Can we redeem, or are we responsible for the misdoings of our youth? It is a deep question that only time can answer. The story is primarily about the relationship of two friends, a servent, Hassan, and his master, Amir-the narrator and how the mistreatment of this underclass is embedded in Afghan culture. Although this is the thread that is sewn throughout the novel, it ends up being so much more. The story covers 25 years and I could feel and understand the growth of Amir, the guilt he has carried, and his attempt and courage to redeem his past. Amir is not a flat character that is only believable at certain times (his youth, 18 in love for the first time, or as a grown man), but instead, I felt like I grew with him as the story progressed, as well carried his burdens and shame. There are a few far-fetched moments that bring the story full circle but it is a book, a good story for a story’s sake, and I thought that was missing from society. Not to mention Arabian life lessons that carry it through to the end. The language is simple but deep. The characters are beautifully interwoven and no characters is a waste. It made me smile, it made me sad. The third act is the weakest part of the book, but by the time you get there, you will very grateful for how much it has already given. It is one of those books that everybody should read, I look forward to reading it again someday.
94/100
Ben Bonkoske 