An Emotional Documentary of a Boy in Afghanistan
by Danyi Ellie Leung
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An Emotional Documentary of a Boy in Afghanistan
Afghanistan back in 1970 is very different from Afghanistan today. In 1970, Zahir Shah had been king for almost 40 years, and although the country was not perfect, it was stable. Now, the country is unfortunately pummeled by political strife and war, which started in 1979.
The Kite Runner, a book by Khaled Hosseini, is not focused on providing a historical documentation of this transition. Rather, it is more an emotional documentation of the sudden shift from culture, community, and traditions to fear, corruption, and devastation, while also exploring its own storyline. Khaled Hosseini explores many more themes besides the consequences of war. He touches on friendship, betrayal, racism, sexual abuse, and hope. His descriptions, even in the most cruel and ugly, are sharp and precise, leading his work to not feel fictional but very real.
Amir, the main character of the book, is born into a wealthy family, while his best friend Hassan is his friend as well as his servant. This vast class difference arises from their ethnicity, as Amir is a Pashtun, a wealthier and better-established class, and Hassan is a Hazara, a class where those in it are destined to be illiterate and serve the wealthy. The book documents Amir’s life in Kabul, Afghanistan, before he and his dad immigrate to America to avoid the war.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are several mentions and descriptions of sexual abuse in the book. A big part of The Kite Runner is the sexual abuse, as it feeds into the tension and emotional turmoil of the book.
Khaled himself was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965, and although he was not there when the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan occurred, his close connection with Afghanistan is clearly visible through his writing. His upbringing assists him in explaining Afghan culture exceptionally well, which helps the reader become completely immersed in the food, traditions, and games that Afghan children played.
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