Bookclub Books:

Picking a bookclub book can be a somewhat harrowing experience. It is hard to cater to the taste of seven completely different women. There is also the pressure of wanting people to enjoy the book you chose, as there is a certain amount of pride at stake, and at when it is time to score the book, the last thing you want to hear is 2 out of 5!

The Kite Runner was a much-hyped book last year. Not necessarily here in Ireland but, from my research for last bookclub choice, Shadows of the Wind, The Kite Runner popped up everywhere, as a 'must read', particularly on American sites.

I knew I wanted to chose a recent publication as we had been reading older, more classical, works lately but I wasn't sure if I brave enough to risk it all on a debut novel. However, when I eventually found myself in a bookshop to make my selection it seemed completely natural to pick up seven copies of The Kite Runner and I am so glad I did.

In Afghanistan, young Amir's earliest memories of life in Kabul are blessed with a cultural heritage that values tradition, blood ties and a deeply rooted cultural identity. Upper class Pashtuns, Amir enjoys the luxury of education, material comfort and a constant playmate, the son of his father's longtime Hazara servant, Hassan. While Hassan has nothing but love and admiration for Amir, Amir's attitude towards Hassan changes. When Amir is morally tested he walks away, failing his childhood companion. That first failure dictates Amir's life and, when he and his father are forced to flee from Afghanistan to America, Amir can never get over his shame.

While Amir and his father reside safely in America, their homeland is decimated by constant warfare; "There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood." Amir strives to build a life in America yet one day he is offered a chance at personal redemption. An old family friend begs him to return to his homeland as Hassan needs his help. The older, slightly wiser, Amir jumps at the chance to redeem himself and, although the journey is perilous, Amir is determined that this time he will not walk away from Hassan.

His return to Afghanistan is frightening. The country that he grew up in as a child has long gone and instead a war-torn battleground awaits him.

Hosseini has produced a stunning debut novel that not only is brilliantly simplistic, the portrayal of Amir's dilemma is beautifully honest. The book is an education in itself, showing the reader a glimpse of pre-war Afghanistan. Although one would wonder whether it is based on personal experience, there is no taking away from the impact the book makes. 4/5

Score awarded by Bibliofemme: 4 out of 5

What the other femmes had to say
"Although The Kite Runner has its flaws, this engaging and moving book gave me an insight into a country which I only know about from - mainly negative - news headlines. I particularly loved the sense of place which Hosseini captures in his depiction of the foods, smells and customs of Afghanistan." 4/5

"A sprawling epic, a coming-of-age tale, and a novel bursting with love and compassion for a country torn apart by conflict and division, The Kite Runner is a powerful read and an education in one." 4/5

"A next to perfect novel, yet it is clear that the author writes what he knows best. I would have to wonder if he spent anytime in Taliban occupied Afghanistan, because it is at this stage in the book that everything becomes pear-shaped and the author's voice loses some of his endearing authenticity. A page turning delight, able to take anyone out of their environment for a while. " 4/5