91 pages • 3 hours read
Khaled HosseiniThe Kite Runner
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini follows the story of Amir and Hassan, two close friends and half-brothers in 1970s Afghanistan, navigating societal divides and personal betrayal. Amir wins a kite fighting tournament, but Hassan is assaulted by a bully, Assef. This event drives a rift between them. Years later, Amir seeks redemption by rescuing Hassan's son, Sohrab, from Taliban rule. The narrative portrays themes of friendship, family secrets, and the quest for atonement amidst Afghanistan's tragic backdrop. The story includes topics related to sexual violence and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini captivates readers with its powerful storytelling and vivid portrayal of Afghan culture, garnering praise for its emotional depth and compelling characters. However, some critique its melodramatic elements and predictability. Overall, it remains a poignant exploration of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.
Who Should Read The Kite Runner?
A reader who would enjoy The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is likely drawn to emotionally rich, character-driven narratives with themes of redemption, friendship, and cultural history. Fans of works like Atonement by Ian McEwan and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which delicately balance personal and social conflicts, will find this novel compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
840LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Middle Eastern Literature
Education
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Society: Class
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
September 11 Attacks
Education
History: World