The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel

The illustrated version of the novel ‘The Kite Runner’ written by Khaled Hosseini is a graphic picture of a life of a man named Amir. The story starts in Kabul, Afghanistan during 1970s until 29 years later. In the timeline of his life, he develops a tight and strong friendship with the son of his house servant, Hassan. They spend time together flying kite with the neighbourhood but later separate their own way. It is because Amir is ashamed that he is not capable of repaying Hassan’s loyalty and kindness, so he throws Hassan away from his life by accusing him of stealing things from the house. Then, during the invasion of Soviets in 1979, Amir flees to Pakistan with his Baba and later start a whole new life in California, USA.

29 years later, Amir lives his adulthood with the love of his life, Soraya. They get married and a month later, Baba is dead. One day, he receives a phone calls from Pakistan. It is Uncle Rahim Khan, Baba’s old best friend who requests a favour from Amir. He asks Amir to look for and take a good care of Sohrab, Hassan’s son who live as an orphan in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a country ruled by Taliban. Because the guilt for Hassan is still inside Amir, he risks his life to go and look for Sohrab. There have been a lot of obstacles and challenges to bring back Sohrab to USA. Long story short, Sohrab is brought back to Amir’s home and finally, he gradually becomes a significant part of Amir.

The writer tries his best to bring up two categories of human, generally. One are those who value their friendship by portraying loyalty and ‘ithar’ while the other one are those who are blindfolded with money and power.

Hassan is the figure in showing a quality friendship value. Even though Hassan is considered as a Hazara, which is a low class local of a minority Shi’a ethnic, Amir always love him as a brother. Hassan is the one who runs over a loose kite for Amir. Plus, Amir also willingly goes to Kabul in search of Sohrab so he could take care of his best old friend’s son. Until the end, it is Amir who taking care of Sohrab as his own children.

On the other hand, the scene of this story is based on political instability and wars to show how greed human can be when it comes to power. Local ministers of Afghanistan are struggling among themselves to stay in power. Soviet army invades Afghanistan to wipe out all of its sources. Then, the worst part is when the religion nowadays is used to justify any wrongdoings did by a cult. It can be seen in the role of Taliban which is hiding behind ‘holy jihad’ slogan, but at the same time, keeping Sohrab and other boys to please their lust.

Surely, there is more to be told about this fascinating book. Believe it or not, this novel ‘The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel’ was able to keep me engaged in reading it for 5 hours; non-stop. It is simply because of the plot that keeps growing with touchy-feely chapter that perfectly ends this book.

p/s: transcript of this review is written for PCM based on 'The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel' illustrated by Fabio Celoni and Mirka Andolfo