Kite Runner

Very fast read. I finished the book in one go reading it through the night right up to the next morning well past break fast. Binge reading :-)

I can see why this book became as famous as it did. It is written in a very easy language. You don't need a dictionary to understand a single word. The story's backdrop is very different. It's exotic Afghanistan. A country associated with violence and mass killings and not even remotely linked to literature. The book shows very realistic portrayal of the place. The story is very well told. The central theme of the story - redemption and retribution for past sins - is very well handled and executed. There are various layers and sub plots and complications of life. 

But it reads like a Bollywood movie in places. Certain scenes happen only in Bollywood formula movies. Like the final scene with the Taliban Assef. It's a little difficult to believe really. Such things don't happen in reality.

Also every time you think X will happen after Y, it does not happen and something totally different happens like a Z. That's also a cliched Bollywood style these days. Surprise for the sake of surprise.

I can understand that such a book would be a bestseller because it has all the elements of a bestseller - an exotic locale, immigrant life, almost true and seems like autobiographical, redemption of guilt etc. But I can also see why it has never won any award anywhere in the world. This book will never become a classic. It can sell millions of copies though. Apparently the book was on top of the NYT best seller list for two years :-). I am not surprised. It has everything that will please an American audience. Hosseini is a master chef and knows the recipe for a good dish that would be a big hit. But he may not provide any nourishment for you.

PS: I learnt about a new type of people. I am afraid I had no clue about the Hazara minority of Afghanistan. May God save them.