The Kite Runner

I just finished reading Khaled's Hosseini's The Kite Runner and what a delight it was. It is a beautifully-written tale about growing up in Afghanistan in the 1970's. Narrated by Amir, born to a privileged family in the heyday of the country, Kite Runner is the story of finding friendship, redemption and love in a nation shattered by the years and by a spate of wars.

At first I had my doubts about this book, as I thought it would be another one of those "politically-correct" novels in which the author talks to no end about living under oppression and how the world should sympathize with his misery. I feared it would be one of those books that embellish oppression and customize it to appeal to a mass mainstream audience. I was mistaken.

The book didn't talk endlessly about the horrors of the Taliban, although it was mentioned briefly. Instead it dissected the inner self and the battle to overcome a deep-rooted sense of guilt. If you are looking for a good book to put your hands on, the Kite Runner is a fine choice.

Next on my reading list -- although I'm struggling to find time to do so –- is the Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring). Finally! I gave my word to Roba that I would commit myself to this masterpiece after years of procrastination.

The Sunday Times once said: "The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings and those who are going to read them." I have belonged to the second category for years now. It is about time to change this status!