It’s a rare moment when a book completely destroys me in every way possible. As I read this story there were parts that I had trouble breathing through. Throughout most of the book, I hated the protagonist and narrator, Amir. I had trouble forgiving him for his choices, actions, and more importantly, his inaction. Especially for that one tragic day when he won the kite tournament. And Hassan. I loved Hassan from the first. I just couldn’t get over him. And then, well…I’m not going to give it away in case there are some who haven’t read the book…but Hassan has haunted me. Even now, three days after I have finished the book and am trying everything I can think of to put the things I read about out of my head, the things I knew happened in the world but conveniently put in the back of my mind because I live in my nice warm place with all of the comforts money can buy and because I have never had to experience war or oppression or poverty or violence or prejudice.
I don’t do well with violence. I know that there are people out there who are sadistic and sociopaths and sick. I’d rather forget these people exist. I suppose that once you are a victim of violence, even if it’s for a few hours one night a long time ago, you have a difficult time hearing about that violence being forced upon others. I suppose it’s because you know that it’s not the act that one needs to get over, but it’s the emotions…hurt and confusion and blame and guilt and helplessness and embarrassment and shame and fear…that comes after.
I did learn one thing about myself after reading this book. I know, deep in my deepest parts, that I would have no problem killing people like Assef and his cronies. Absolutely no problem, no conscience, no fear, no nothing. I would spit on his dead body after I was done. I spit on him now.
All these emotions from a fiction book that is so well-written and stark and beautiful that I’m ashamed it took me so long to sit down and read it. Thank you, Peach, for sending it to me. As much as I cried and was horrified, I find that the book contained everything I look for in literature…I was moved.
Fresh Air Lover 
Debbie–
I am so glad you loved this book! There’s really nothing else like it. Let’s talk about it next week.
Now you have to read his next one. It’s ready for you whenever you want it.
Happy Birthday!
Hey, hope it’s still snowing for you… I was very unsure of Amir, and funnily enough someone who’s just seen the film and not read the book was saying the same too. The bit I hate the most about him though is at the end before the bath incident where he makes that promise (I hope that’s as loosely worded as to not give anything away, but people who have read it will know what I mean). That among everything else really got to me – in fact the mattress act earlier was more powerful that the actual primary act, if you’re still following, because for me it was slightly more disturbing and screwed up somehow.
Interesting to have a protagonist who we don’t like and aren’t supposed to side with isn’t it?
How real was he though in this day and age of emotional development and growth and therapy?
I did like him for his stories though…
ps Happy Birthday !
I can’t agree with you more. This book single handedly moved me to emotions beyond words. I often had to set it down, walk away from it and come back to it in order to finish. I have not been that moved by a piece of literature in a LONG time!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now, venture on to A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Dammit, I missed your birthday. 😦 Happy birthday anyway!
I love people who get into reading as much as you obviously do because reading is such a passion of mine. It sounds like this book is a knockout so thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to check it out.
I’ll have to be good and strong before I read this.