The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

In Brief

Two boys grow up as best friends in 1970s Afghanistan, until a horrific crime on the day of Kabul's kite fighting tournament drives them apart. When Afghanistan falls to the Soviets, Amir struggles with his guilt in exile, only finding a way to atone for his treatment of Hassan years later. But the price he must pay is a terrifying confrontation with the Taliban.

Why you should read it

For many people struggling to understand Afghanistan after the 2001 US/UK invasion, Hosseini's book was a perfectly timed guide. A decade later, its powerful story of friendship, betrayal and guilt remains as compelling as its historical context is fascinating.