did you like the kite runner?

[DimpledThighs]

I am doing it at book group tonight and wonder if most people will think the same as me.

I loved it, it was sad.

If anyone can add any comments that elaborate on this a bit I will steal them and pass them off as my own tonight.

wow! Board moving quick so a shameless bump!

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Hi. We did Kite Runner at our book group too. We all liked it a lot, and thought that it would make a brilliant film.

A couple of good points were made. It was pointed out that the writer had chosen to make the bad guy (can't remember his name, of hand - Kutz?) half German, and to carry a copy of Mein Kampf, which was unnecessary stereotyping. We felt it a shame that he wasn't Afghan. It seemed as if the writer was letting the Taliban off the hook, suggesting that they were led astray by fascists, rather than confronting the issues which would have really led to the cruelty in the country.

We also felt the scene where the boy was rescued from the orphanage was completely unrealistic (why had he been allowed to keep his slingshot with him, in such a terrifying place??!) but that it was soooo satisfying seeing him escape that we forgave the writer from skipping from a realistic style of writing to more of the style of a thriller.

We thought the suicide attempt was much more realistic, and ended the book in an appropriate way.

Enjoy your book group - and feel free to nick our ideas!

Loved it but felt the ending was a bit hollywood.

When we did it at our book group we discussed the fact that it was a slice of life in Afghanistan presented to the western eye. the themes are familar like class religion, war and family when e cpompare these to our own experiences itserves to highlight the differences. Also someone pointed out the theme of loss and redemption...(not me, I just thought it was a moving story, beautifully written )

So many people had recommended this to me I was worried that I would be ultimately disappointed.(I seem to be in a minority for not enjoying The Time Traveller's Wife).
However I thought it was a fantastic and moving read.
Agree with notquitegrownup that it could make a fantastic film.

I loved this book. Reading fiction like this is a really nice to way to learn about countries and cultures. Im afraid I cant add anything suitably intelectual for you to take to your book club, but for those who liked it Khaled Hosseini has a second book out in May called A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Thought I would expand a bit on my previuos comment as it was very short! (Children in bed now so have more time)

Going back to what I said earlier I did think the ending was a bit hollywood what with Hassan's son living with Amir. The book was so wonderfully written yet the story so harrowing.

I really liked the contrast of Amir's father Baba in Afghanistan compared to him in the USA. He was such a strong, huge, independant character but out of Afghanistan he became very dependant on Amir. To me Afghanistan made him the person he was. Their relationship was also turned on it's head when they went to the USA.

It's been a while since I read it but I loved it so much I have recommended it for my bookclub.

thanks all - very helpful and am looking forward to tonight even more now (but will miss HKJSFHDH on channel 5 )

Will come backa nd tell you how it went.

Thank you again lovelies.

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Articroll - at last, someonme else! (I tried TTW twice and still hated it. People keep looking at me with a pitying smile when i say that....

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