This book is set in Afghanistan and is mainly focused on the split between the 2 people living there, the Pashtuns and Hazaras. The Pashtuns oppress the Hazaras claiming that they were the first one’s there and the Pashtuns make them all their servants. The book is set around a kid named Amir, and his Hazarian servant named Hassan starting in the 70’s. They became best friends over their childhoods, mostly because their fathers were friends, but never played in public, because Hassan was a Hazara and Amir was Pashtun. Anyways, life goes on, the Soviets come, get driven out, different groups try to take over, but then the Taliban come. That’s when Amir's father said it was time to go to America. Hassan and his father didn’t want to go so they moved to a small Hazarian village on the outskirts of the big city they lived in, Kabul. Amir and his Baba start the grueling, and dangerous, trek to Pakistan where they’ll apply for a visa to America. When they finally make it to America Amir misses Hassan, and wonders how he’s doing, and is filled with regret about how he didn’t treat him like a friend, as much as he should’ve. Then, one day after his dad has already died and he’s married, he gets a call from one of his friends in Pakistan. This friend has a way that Amir can finally right his wrongs with Hassan. So, Amir hops on a plane and goes to Pakistan, ready to make everything better.
This is a dramatic and sad book, though I'd say it’s filled with hope. Trust me, I never cry during books, but I was on the verge of tears reading this one. Khaled Hosseini's amazing writing turns an amazing story into and amazingly well written book! There was not one part I didn’t like about this book. I really love his writing style, and story. The story in general was amazing! It was dramatic, sad, hopeful, and really heartwarming. He managed to stir all my feelings at once while reading this book! This book really made me think about how we need equality for all people. The Pashtuns and Hazera's are both the same people living in the same country, so why to the Hazaras must be oppressed. It’s just not fair. Also, if everyone was nice and kind to each other, Amir wouldn’t have felt guilty for not treating him nice in public, because it wouldn’t be weird if a Hazara was friends with a Pashtun. I really felt that this amplified the oppression and guilt and all of that. I really think that this book would be a great read for any young adult, mostly high school, and up. Everyone, young adult and up, would really love this book. I really loved this so I hope you do too!
Reviewed by Sebastian W., Grade 9
