Winter, 1975: Afghanistan a country hidden in the corner of Asia, ruled over by a fading monarchy on the verge of an internal coup. But in Kabul, twelve-year-old Amir has his own concerns. He is desperate to win the annual kite-fighting tournament to prove to his father that he has the makings of a man. Amir’s friend Hassan is a low-caste Muslim and the son of a crippled servant but nevertheless the two boys play together and defend each other against the neighbourhood’s bullies. However, during the tournament, Amir takes advantage of Hassan’s guileless devotion and commits a terrible act of betrayal which is to shatter their lives and define their future.

Press Reviews

‘Shattering…devastating and inspiring.’
—Observer

‘Hosseini’s ability to reach the core of experiences of love and loss places him in the company of such fine chroniclers of the new America as Chang-rae Lee…A novel of unusual generosity, honesty and compassion.’
—Independent

‘Rich in warmth and humour…full of haunting images…vivid and engaging.’
—New York Times

‘A devastating, masterful and painfully honest story of a life crippled by an act of childhood cowardice and cruelty ... although The Kite Runner is told with simplicity and poise, it is a novel of great hidden intricacy and wisdom, like a timeless Eastern tale. It speaks the most harrowing truth about the power of evil, personal and political, and intoxicates, like a high-flying kite, with the power of hope’
—Daily Telegraph

‘For those writers who have sat in Wazir Akbar Khan sipping black tea and listening to Afghan stories … a novel of connect. For readers who have only seen Afghanistan on a map, it creates more layers and exposes them to a pain that isn’t fiction and scars that still bleed’
—Times of India

‘A fascinating first novel . . . not a book you’d want to miss
— Sejal Mehta, Femina

‘This bittersweet book has the ability to transcend itself and touch a poignant cord in all humanity’ —Meenakshi Doctor, Femina

‘The emotional connect is instantaneous’ —Madhavi Purohit, Femina

‘It’s impossible to imagine that this book can leave anyone untouched’ —Daily News and Analysis