Hello everyone:
First, many many thanks for your visits to this website and for your entries, which I appreciate very much.
An update first. The paperback edition of A Thousand Splendid Suns will be published on November 25th of this year. In early December, I will make a few public appearances in its support. The dates and venues have not been decided upon as yet. When I have details, I will post them on this website. I thank you for your continued support and patience.
Secondly, The Kite Runner will become a stage production at the San Jose Repertory Theater in the spring of 2009. The script is written by Matthew Spangler who directs and teaches drama at San Jose State. Casting searches for the play will begin later this month. Needless to say, I am thrilled and look forward to this production very much. I will be involved with the production at some capacity, which I have not as yet determined.
Lastly, I want to discuss Afghanistan, particularly in light of this being an election season and Afghanistan coming up in all of the presidential debates.
You see, this is a question that invariably comes up every time I step before a podium. At some point, someone in the audience will raise their hand, and say, “So, Mr. Hosseini, are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Afghanistan?” The first thing I do is remind the audience that I am not a political expert on Afghanistan. I am a novelist. My focus is the inner lives of the characters I have created in my books –which makes me spectacularly under-qualified to answer a question of such magnitude. But even as I say these words –and they are true- I know that I am delaying answering the question. I delay because I don’t know anymore.
There is plenty going in Afghanistan to fuel pessimism. I went to Afghanistan in September 2007 with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and I saw for myself the high blast walls on the streets of Kabul, aimed at protecting against suicide attacks. Those walls did not exist the last time I was in Kabul, back in the spring of 2003, and I did not feel at that time the unease I did this time when I walked through crowded streets and bazaars. I saw the thousands of young people in Kabul living in slums without work, without direction. In northern Afghanistan, I met homeless families of twenty or more who had spent the past two winters cooped up in holes they had dug under ground. In village after village between Kunduz and Mazar, I met people who had no access to clean water, to a school for their children, to a clinic for their sick, families who lived on less than $1 per day -that is, if they could find work –and who received little or no help from a weak central government still struggling badly to meet the basic needs of its people.
The violent insurgency in Afghanistan is spiraling. More U.S. troops are dying today in Afghanistan than they are in Iraq. More Afghan civilians have been killed this year than any other year since the post-9/11 invasion –according to the U.N. more than 1,500 Afghan civilians have been killed, in many cases mainly women and children. Narcotic trade, financing the insurgency, has also skyrocketed. Opium now accounts for close to half of the country’s GDP. There is rampant corruption, poverty, and very troublingly, growing resentment for NATO and the U.S. –thanks partly to the perception that promises made were not kept, and thanks partly to the catastrophic bombing strikes that have claimed innocent civilian lives. Think tanks such as The Atlantic Council have called Afghanistan a failing state, and the top British commander in Afghanistan believes the war cannot be won. It is a sobering picture.
But unadulterated pessimism about the situation hardly takes an intellectual leap. And it must be said that positive developments that have taken place over the last seven years. When I visited Kabul in the spring of 2003, it looked like a war zone, a grim landscape of jagged debris, flattened buildings, and roofless walls. The Kabul I saw last year looks dramatically improved. Many of the neighborhoods destroyed during the Mujahideen infighting years have been rebuilt. I was happily surprised to visit cultural landmarks, like the famed gardens of Babur, and find them successfully renovated. In many towns, I saw children in uniform walking to school. School enrollment, in fact, has increased to more than 6 million children over the last five years –this bodes well for the future of Afghanistan. Landmines are being cleared, the press is relatively free (if under attack by religious conservatives), and telecommunication is booming (even in the poorest, most remote villages, I had the surreal experience of seeing old men in tattered clothes speaking on cell phones.)
But even as we address questions of pessimism or optimism, we must remember that it may be too early to have a genuine answer. Afghanistan, after all, is a country that is still recovering from nearly thirty years of war, famine, drought, extremism, lawlessness, and massive displacement. What is certain is that the future is uncertain. Whether the U.S. and NATO can defeat the Taliban insurgency, solve the opium problem, rebuild Afghanistan, and help it to some reasonable semblance of a democracy remains to be seen. But this much we do know: Without a genuine and sustained, long-term commitment on the part of the U.S. and its allies, Afghanistan is doomed. Though Afghans are an independent people and take pride in their sovereignty, polls have repeatedly shown that, despite growing skepticism and disillusionment, the majority of Afghans still view the foreign presence in their country favorably. They know that a weakened western resolve will mean that positive gains that have been made so painstakingly will vanish swiftly and the country will slide back.
I am encouraged by Senator Obama’s calls for refocusing attention on Afghanistan before it completely slips out of control. He has called for military reinforcement in Afghanistan and vows to hold the Afghan government accountable for its own shortcomings. These are positive developments. But I think the senator understands that there will be no pure military situation in Afghanistan. Where the west has truly failed has been in the civil sector. We have failed to build a competent and legitimate police force, to curb the heroin trade, to build homes and jobs and help the government establish its credibility beyond the borders of Kabul. It is time to not think of Afghanistan as purely a military mission but as a humanitarian mission as well. To use an old cliché, that is the only way to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, to win their support and loyalty, and to demonstrate to them that they are better off with us than they were with the Taliban.
All of this will take time. Not months, years, but perhaps decades. The rebuilding of Afghanistan is, to use a belated Olympic analogy, a marathon, not a hundred meter dash. So optimistic or pessimistic? Ask me in twenty years.
Thanks, as ever, for your support and encouragement.
Khaled
Comments (44)
I have already read your books. It's so wonderful! I like them! Also thank you to give me so wonderful books ! I am a Chinese,so my English isn't very well! At last, I hope you can continue to bring miracle for us! And also hope you happy everyday!~
Posted by 于儿 | October 12, 2008 12:34 AM
Posted on October 12, 2008 00:34
Mr Hosseini I'm an ardent fan of your writings, your love and compassion for Afghanistan and its people is very moving.
Posted by mehar dhatt | October 12, 2008 2:16 PM
Posted on October 12, 2008 14:16
Wow I loved your book, 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. It was a masterpiece. I can just Visualize the tragedies that happened in this marvelous book.
Posted by Angela | October 12, 2008 7:22 PM
Posted on October 12, 2008 19:22
Hello there Khaled and thanks for writing! I am a 29 year old woman I'm from Norway but married to an Egyptian and so I have a home and family there too. As you I am a writer, but have just published poems so far.
I want to thank you for your two great novels. I read 'The Kite Runner' in Norwegian, and just a few minutes ago finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' in English.
I am so happy to have shared these moving stories, who are strangely familiar to me. I hope to hear a lot more from you and your pen. I adopted the name Miriam for me some five years ago and that of course brought the story even closer, in addition to the fact that I have experienced a bit of the Muslim world, and women life in Egypt.
I wish for you all blessings and please always let your heart run down through your pen - like it has done in your two published novels so far.
Yours sincerely
Miriam.
Posted by Miriam | October 12, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on October 12, 2008 21:13
I was honored to be in the audience last night in Charlotte, NC to hear you speak. I wanted to let you know that reading your two books has left me with a thirst to learn all I can about Afghanistan. Please continue to bless the readers of the world with more fiction from your pen!
Posted by Jacque Junk | October 16, 2008 1:11 PM
Posted on October 16, 2008 13:11
Mr. Hosseini,
I recently read your novel 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' for a literature class I am taking in college. I wanted to let you know that I fully appreciated your work. What you captured in it about the lives of ordinary citizens of Kabul touched me deeply. The suffering and the violence that the Afghan people, especially the women, have endured is tragic, but you showed, most importantly, the undaunted courage that they have to rise above the mess and horror. The men and women of Afghanistan are worthy of our admiration.
Both this novel and your previous one have been effective in giving us Americans a perspective on life in Afghanistan we are not comfortable with. We hear about the Taliban, and we hear about our war with them, but we never hear about the ordinary citizens who have to endure it all. We are not comfortable with this perspective because it sounds too real and maybe even too subjective. It also makes us uncomfortable as Americans because making a distant war to be about real people puts us on the spot. All of a sudden what happens thousands of miles away does matter, and being the kind of people that we are, we feel compelled to do something about it. If we don’t do something about it we feel guilty.
I thank you for your novels, and for your work with the U. N. Afghanistan is in my prayers. That is all I have to offer them for now, but I know that praying is not an exercise in futility. It has the promise of bringing about good things for a people who need it desperately.
Blessings,
Steven Carr
Posted by Steven Carr | October 16, 2008 2:16 PM
Posted on October 16, 2008 14:16
Hello sir. It has just been two hours since I finished reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. The first thing I did was to let some close friends know how deeply it touched me. It was such a surprise to come across your blog just when I was reeling under the influence of your prose. I live in Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, leading a very sheltered life with my parents. It took me quite some time to get adjusted to the life of Laila and Mariam when I started reading your book. However, after a point I had to pause. It was the part where you describe the squalid condition of the hospital in which Laila gives birth to her boy. I put the book down, joined my palms and prayed to God, thanking him for the life I am leading, for all those things I have been given, and for not being grateful about them, ever. Thank you Mr. Hosseini for a book that I will cherish forever. Thank you very much.
Posted by Anurima | October 17, 2008 3:53 AM
Posted on October 17, 2008 03:53
Dear Sir ,
I am a great fan of your style of writing.
Both 'The Kite Runner' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' was just so amazingly written work!
As for the 1st news that you have shared is good one and I wish we could get to read more from you !
And this article is so written that I can sense the cloud of fear and trouble that is around the state /country/world !
"All of this will take time. Not months, years, but perhaps decades. The rebuilding of Afghanistan is, to use a belated Olympic analogy, a marathon, not a hundred meter dash. So optimistic or pessimistic? Ask me in twenty years."
hmm .. bitter truth ...
May God bless all !!
thank you !
Take care
Kind Regards,
Meenu
Posted by meenu | October 18, 2008 1:13 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 13:13
Mr. Khaled Hosseini, a quote in your book titled 'The Kite Runner' actually changed the way I perceive life.
"Quiet is peace. Tranquility. Quiet is turning down the volume knob on life. Silence is pushing the off button. Shutting it down. All of it."
I was overwhelmed by negativity during entire afternoon as I have never really spent a day out alone.
Your book kept me company when I needed a presence the most. It gave me a sense of freedom and rightfulness. It made me realize that being alone doesn't necessarily mean loneliness.
I hereby thank you, Mr. Khaled Hosseini.
You don't make being alone easier to bare with, you turn it into a deserving personal choice.
Love,
Diyana Rahim
Posted by Diyana Rahim | October 18, 2008 1:22 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 13:22
Dear Khaled (if I may call you buy your name.
Just want to let you know that 'The Kite Runner' had me in tears (3 times actually once on the rain and quite embarrassing...
It is a lovely journey of all the people involved. Its a very brave book. I have already recommended 2 many friends.
'A Thousand Splendid Suns' was also great, but shamefully we hear many stories about these situation.
I was mostly impressed in 'The Kite Runner' since for the first time a man, boy & child express their point of view with out inhibitions.
'The Kite Runner' was recommended to my by my uncle, he works for the Telegraph and is a judge of the GOLDEN Gloval awards.
Please keep in touch,
Your Fan in Spain
Posted by Amelia BENFELL | October 22, 2008 9:49 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 21:49
Mr. Hosseini,
I have read both of your books and I am a big fan. Even though your characters face so many great challenges that I am blessed to never endure, I can still relate to their human qualities. Your books have immensely helped me breakdown negative stereotypes of Muslims and Afghans embedded in my mind from a post 9-11 media. I have also read your article about about McCain and Palin's anti-Islamic campaigning strategies. I am so thankful you directly addressed this issue. I am appalled that our country that denounces racism and sexism can silently endorse sectarianism.
As for my feelings of Afghanistan's future, I am optimistic about the increased school enrollment. I am very thankful you spoke of the need for not only military action in Afghanistan but also humanitarian action. It is my personal belief that military action can never be a part of the solution. Please correct me if I am wrong, but it seems like every time military force has been deployed in Afghanistan, it only results in more sorrow. Do you believe a solely humanitarian approach in Afghanistan is possible, or am I simply being idealistic?
I am anticipating your next novel. They are incredibly touching and thought-provoking stories.
Thank you for all of your efforts in raising awareness for Afghanistan. My prayers are with that country.
Sincerely,
JJ
Posted by JJ Krehbiel | October 22, 2008 11:48 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 23:48
Khaled Hosseini:
I had to read 'The Kite Runner' for a school assignment. To be fully and wholly honest, I didn't know who the Taliban was before I slipped my hand over its pages. Really plays into the stereotypes of western society eh? I appreciate the time and care you put into helping your country. That type of selflessness is not commonly found. The story really touched me and reality hit me that there really was places like that in the world. As an American you don't normally get to hear about things like that and many people around here are extremely closed minded. I would like to think of the world as the actual world not just my personal environment,and have goals to travel after graduation. I plan to visit places like Afghanistan and try to have a positive impact.
Thank you for opening my eyes about the reality of this vast world.
Posted by emily | October 23, 2008 4:26 PM
Posted on October 23, 2008 16:26
Khaled,
Your "The Kite Runner" was brilliant!
More than just bringing the recent plight of Afghanistan to the world, your novel was cathartic...almost therapeutic.
As a son of an 82-yr-old father, father of two boys (14 & 20), and brother of four brothers, I so related to Amir's experiences in Kabul and later in America.
We all have regrets, sins from the past, experiences for which we seek atonement.
Your novel confirmed these as a universal need for people of all cultures.
I was glued to your novel on my daily commute to and from work between Boston, MA and my home in the suburbs.
Good bless the people(and especially the children)of Afghanistan!
Philip McGinty
(Boston, MA)
Posted by Philip McGinty | October 25, 2008 9:53 PM
Posted on October 25, 2008 21:53
Dear Sir, my name is Silvia, and I am a twenty three years old Italian girl.I have just finished your book,"A Thousand Splendid Suns".
To say I was deeply moved, would be an understatement. Just before starting your book,
I saw a movie about the recent history of my
country.It is called "Miracle at St.Anna",
and it is inspired by the massacre of 560
Italian civilians, mostly women and children,
perpetrated during the summer of 1944 by SS troops. It is so sad to understand that the weakest ones are always paying the most during
a war. It doesn't matter if you are Catholic or Muslim, or if you live at the beginning of the twentieth century or in the darkest years Europe had ever experienced ( and with luck we will never see again). I hope you will keep writing so genuine novels. Saluti!
Posted by Silvia | October 28, 2008 5:05 PM
Posted on October 28, 2008 17:05
Mr Khaled Hosseini,
I must say that reading your 2 novels has moved me in such a big way. I've come to appreciate life, and how fortunate I am to be living as an American and that my life is nothing compared to the lives the Afghan people.
You've become one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to reading the many more novels that you will be writing. Thanks to your books, I have the hunger of learning more about Afghanistan. You hear news of the war and of our American soldiers everyday, men getting killed, bombs, raids, etc.. but you never get to hear about the Afghan people that have to live everyday where there is a war.
After reading your novels, I feel like I can connect to the characters. Though I've never experienced such events, but my parents, mother from Cambodia, and father from France with Thai ancestry, have, and their stories are very similar to those in your novels. When I saw the movie "The Kite Runner", I imagined Amir was my father, because he was called back to go to Thailand from California as well. He went back for his father's funeral, a proper funeral, many years after the war broke out. He came back home feeling that the heavy rock on his chest was finally gone. He felt that after his father's proper funeral, the war was finally over. He'd found peace after all these years. My mother on the other hand, is still traumatized from the war, and she refuses to go back to Cambodia, where she lost the father she never met.
Thanks to your masterpieces Mr. Hosseini, I feel that you have done a great deal in opening the eyes of those who don't know much about Afghanistan. I appreciate Afghanistan and the Afghan people, God bless their souls, and I appreciate that you've taught me so much about this country.
With all my respect,
Sarah
Posted by Sarah | October 28, 2008 6:47 PM
Posted on October 28, 2008 18:47
Mr.Hosseini
OMG, I LOVE your book "The Kite Runner"
My friend suggested I read it. And so I did. And I love it! I read it 3 or 4 times. I'm only a teenager, so I may not understand it as well as more experienced people but I must say; I have never read such a good book. And I have read lots of books! I'm stuck in studying at school, so I don't have all that much time to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns". But I definitely will these holidays!
Your quote "there is a way to be good again"
It seriously is moving.
And I know a lot of people may ask you this. But PLEASE can I have your email! You're like an inspiration. I want to become a writer too when I go to Uni etc.
I wont spam it or give it to anyone =)
Thank you!
I hope you books keep on coming!
Sincerely,
Aman
(i know that to some SOuth Asians that is a boys name, but in this case i am a girl)
Posted by Anonymous | October 29, 2008 5:56 AM
Posted on October 29, 2008 05:56
Absolutely beautiful! I finally saw the movie this past Friday, kind of odd on Halloween night, a children's holiday. It left me stunned.
I will buy the book this week. I hate to do it backwards, because I will see what what chopped from the book.
Congratulations, you are finding balance in your life and you are impacting the world in a positive way.
peace,
Carolyn
Posted by Carolyn | November 2, 2008 10:54 AM
Posted on November 2, 2008 10:54
I finished reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' on the eve of the Election. Really glad to be reconnected with the fundamentals of what makes me human on the eve of the election when everything is about to get swept into polls and masses and numbers. All those things, though important, are not equipped to take on the human experience, the way a work of great fiction is.
Posted by Susanna Speier | November 4, 2008 4:49 AM
Posted on November 4, 2008 04:49
Sir,
I am writing a level 2 english essay on your lovely book 'The Kite Runner' for my NCEA english exam, all the way from New Zealand! Thank you so much, your book is fantastic.
Wainy
Posted by Wainy | November 9, 2008 2:07 AM
Posted on November 9, 2008 02:07
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful writer you are. I have so enjoyed your books! What a gift you have! Thank you so much for many hours of sheer pleasure reading your novels. Kathleen 11/9/08
Posted by Kathleen Steigerwald | November 9, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on November 9, 2008 10:11
Mr. Hosseini,
First of all I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your novel ‘The Kite Runner’ in my grade 12 English class this year. To be honest, I have never paid much attention to Afghanistan or the war being fought there. However, since reading your book I find myself very attentive and interested when I hear or see news reports on Afghanistan, the Taliban or the war. Your story was absolutely enthralling and devastating. I am amazed with how you captured both the tragedy of the story but still kept the reader with hope for a happy ending. However, once I had finished the novel, I was left with an unanswered question regarding Amir and Soraya’s inability to have children. Did you choose to make Soraya infertile simply as another way for Amir to blame himself, or was there a more significant meaning? In the novel Amir sees the infertility as God’s way of getting back at him for his childhood betrayal, but was this the only purpose of the infertility?
-Elisa
Posted by Elisa | November 11, 2008 3:48 PM
Posted on November 11, 2008 15:48
hi Mr. Khaled
i'm Jorge from the Philippines, a country that's also struggling from poverty, but still more blessed, as I may say it, to your country. I hope and pray that God may grant every dreams of good Afghanistan people.
I have read your book 'The Kite Runner'. You have a wonderful gift of writing. You've touched my life the way you touched others'. God has given you the gift of changing people's lives through your books and I pray you continue doing so.
I haven't read your second book because it's not yet available in our bookstore here. I guess its been sold out. I just have to wait for the new stocks to come. How I wish your book would be available as soon as possible, can't wait to have them in my hands.
In return for your wonderful inspiring books, I made it sure that all my friends and family read them too. Maybe this is one small thing I could do in "changing" the world: by letting them be informed on what REALLY happened and what's happening somewhere out there. "For you a thousand times over".
God bless and hope to see you in the near future.
-Jorge
Posted by jorge | November 11, 2008 7:11 PM
Posted on November 11, 2008 19:11
Mr.Hosseini
I am a Chinese
I have finished reading your books《灿烂千阳》(A Thousand Splendid Suns)and《追风筝的人》（The Kite Runner）.I love them,they are so wonderful that I want to go to Afghanistan .
Thanks for your writing!
Thank you!
GOD BLESS YOU!
Posted by 孤狼独嗥 | November 12, 2008 7:06 AM
Posted on November 12, 2008 07:06
Mr. Khaled Hosseini,
My name is Afrin and I'm a student and an aspiring writer..I've read both of you're book, 'The Kite Runner' as well as 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', and I have no doubts saying that both were absolutely brilliant!!
And I might be a little partial while saying that,especially in case of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', because it had all the right ingredients which I have always believed in, always stood for..It just helped re-instating my faith in them..
I'm an out-and-out feminist and absolutely love the idea of women coming to the forefront and attracting what they really deserve from life. Being a Muslim girl I understand the pressures and the oppressions that one faces and to always deliver what is expected of them!
And I really appreciate the way you have very sensitively displayed these emotions in your books..
Secondly, I have always felt very strongly for the people of Afghanistan and the injustices that is done to them..childhood of kids is ruthlessly snatched away from them in this quest for power and money!..It's all wrong..
I, inshallah, want to become a journalist after completing my present course and these are a few cases which I'm definitely going to give my complete support for..
Finally, I'd really really be happy if there would be any way I could get in touch with you via email or something..cause I'd love to discuss writing, Afghanistan, Muslim culture,etc
And I really hope we get to read more of your amazing books very soon too!
Your Sincerely,
Afrin Humayon
Posted by Afrin Humayon | November 12, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on November 12, 2008 10:12
Mr. Hossani,
I am a 17 year old student from Canada who just recently finished reading 'The Kite Runner' for school. I have been truly touched and inspired after reading your novel, and now view the world much differently. I have heard about the struggles in Afghanistan, but I never knew the extent of these problems. I can now see the perspective of families living in Afghanistan, rather than my assumptions most have made relating to all citizens. Your novel has left me wanting more, I want to hear more about Amir and his family, and the lifestyles in Afghanistan today. I hope that as time goes on significant changes will be made, and a better life style for all the families living in Afghanistan. After reading your novel there is still one question that I want to get off my chest. I wonder if Amir, Sohrab and Soraya ever travel back to Kabul, revisiting the lives they left, and seeing what Kabul has become since they moved to America?
I thank you for this touching novel you have made; it has made me realize how grateful I am. I now view the world differently.
Brittany Owen-Turner
Posted by Brittany | November 13, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 19:08
Mr.Hosseini
My name is Bruna, I live in Brazil.
( Sorry!
My English is not perfect- more or less!)
I read your book 'The Kite Runner'. I LOVED
!Is too beautiful, my favourite book.
I read once, twice, three times!
I will never Afeganistão with the other eyes.
My life is different after I read your book.
Thank you very much!
In my country you"ve more people love your work.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
:-)
Sincerely,
By Bruna
Brazil
Posted by BRUNA | November 13, 2008 8:11 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 20:11
Mr. Hosseini,
I have recently finished reading your novel "The Kite Runner" as a part of the grade 12 University English course at my school. I am absolutely delighted that your touching story has become a mandatory literary work in this course. The theme of courage often stood out to me as I was reading your novel. Courage is the ability or perhaps characteristic of a person to endure danger or pain, often times for the well being of a loved one. The main characters Hassan and Amir, as well as more minor characters such as Sohrab, Rahim Khan, Ali, Baba and many more have exuded bravery. I am undecided as to whether one character in the novel in particular has demonstrated more courage than the others. Hassan, risks his own safety and perhaps even his life for a best friend countless times and is eventually raped for this reason. In addition, Hassan is the subject of cultural discrimination that sometimes even Amir contributes to, but still her does not regret defending Amir, nor does he resent him. Amir, who wishes to redeem himself for his betrayal of Hassan, confronts a Taliban leader and not only a Taliban leader but Assef, the nightmare from his childhood who has sworn that he would make Amir "face [him] one on one" someday. Or is it young Sohrab, who has lost his mother and father brutally to the Taliban at such a young age, and has also been raped perhaps numerous times by the man who also raped his father. Later, Hassan courageously confronts Assef in an effort to save the lives of Amir and himself. There are several other acts of bravery by these characters as well as other characters in the novel who also exhibit great amounts of courage no less than the characters outlined above. These are the views that I have developed from reading your work. However, you are the mastermind behind the story and I would be honored if you would give me your opinion as to who you believe is the bravest character in your novel?
Sincerely,
Liz
Posted by Liz | November 13, 2008 9:59 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 21:59
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Recently, I was given the opportunity to read 'The Kite Runner' in my grade 12 English class. I respect you deeply for opening the eyes of millions to the optimistic and pessimistic issues in Afghanistan through literature. It’s wonderful to hear about the improvements you witnessed during your return to Kabul last year. Step by step Afghanistan is giving hope to other poorly developed countries.
'The Kite Runner' put in perspective how the Hazaras were treated and abused during the 1970s. I was not comfortable reading the violent rape scene as Assef sexually abused Hassan. Near the end of the book, I felt even more unpleasant as a knot in my stomach grew, reading how Assef once again tortured a Hazara but this time, a 7 year old child, Sohrab in an almost child pornographic way. I’m aware that the act of degrading a human being is an important and disturbing issue in Afghanistan, but could this not have been revealed in a simple fist fight?
As for my thoughts on the military and reconstruction, I too am inspired with President –Elect Obama’s calls for refocusing the attention on Afghanistan and strongly feel he represents hope for America but also, countries like Afghanistan who are in need of change. I look forward to reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns".
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Cassandra
Posted by Cassandra | November 13, 2008 10:41 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 22:41
Mr. Hosseini,
I am currently reading your novel 'The Kite Runner' in my grade 12 English class. Your story exhilaratingly draws the attention of the reader while enlightening them of the situation in Afghanistan – one which many people do not know the true extent of. I have learned more of loyalty, honesty and integrity in 'The Kite Runner' than I have from any fiction.
The characters in your novel are eerily understandable and relatable; although they are fictitious and placed half-way around the world. To me, this fortifies the theory of the universal human condition and the fact that all of humankind is in some way connected.
The character of Hassan epitomizes loyalty and innocence. His ability to possess these characteristics through the tribulations he faces is one that the world wishes to reflect. Hassan is content with what life gives him and is empty of the greed that infects many of us here in North America.
The question I find myself constantly asking throughout the novel is where the archetypes of your characters came from. Your ability to fabricate such real emotions into the players of your story is astounding and I was simply wondering if you molded them from real personalities.
Thank you for creating such an emotive piece of literature. I will continue to enjoy your works.
Brett King
Posted by Brett King | November 13, 2008 11:11 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 23:11
To Mr. Hosseini
My name is Sena, and my grade 12 English class is currently reading your first book, 'The Kite Runner', for a class novel study. It is truly an amazing portrayal of one individual’s life in a changing world. The journey that Amir makes is one of a very profound inner struggle to come to terms with what his life – and other lives – has become because of his past actions. His journey from twelve year old boy to a full-grown man comes back full circle, and intricately connects those in his life in compelling ways. It is unlike any other book I have ever read, and is one which we all can perhaps relate to on many different levels. An excellent and extremely gripping story, Amir’s journey for redemption transcends national, religious, ethnic, and age lines.
Do you, on a personal level, connect with Amir or perhaps any other character? How do you think Amir’s need for redemption can inspire us all as human beings?
I thoroughly enjoyed your book, and would appreciate learning your thoughts and views.
Sincerely,
Sena
Posted by Sena | November 13, 2008 11:14 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 23:14
Mr Khaled Hosseini,
Having read your book "The Kite Runner" it inspired me not only to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" but to take more of an interest in literature. Your unique writing style and incredible ability to fully develop characters is what makes your books so inspiring.
Being Canadian I am aware of the conflicts facing Afghanistan because as you know we have troops stationed there. It is refreshing to see Obama elected as President because one might see him as a new start. I believe that he will come through with his campaign promises and believe that it will make a large impact and in time help Afghanistan move forward and beyond many obstacles that it faces. My only concern is at what cost will Afghanistan move forward? How many more lives need to be lost in order to regain control of a once peaceful country. This answer to this ever so popular question is unknown and that causes many to be skeptical as to the future of Afghanistan.
Me, well I believe that with the right leadership and its own internal government that is no longer corrupt, that in time (because it will take time) that Afghanistan can return to being a peaceful safe place for its citizens.
Mr. Hosseini when can I expect to have the pleasure of reading another one of you literary masterpieces?
Sincerely,
Mike
Posted by Michael Hasko | November 13, 2008 11:20 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 23:20
Hello Mr. Hosseini, I really like your novel, 'The Kite Runner'. I'm reading this novel in my grade 12 English class; I find your novel very exhilarating, at some parts when I was in my bed reading I would have to sit up because it got so intense and so graphic in my mind. This got me thinking about Assef’s behavior. Like when he raped Hassan that did not have to happen he could have just beaten him up, or when Assef was beating the pulp out of Amir. Did Assef really have to go to the point where Sohrab started to cry and plead for Assef to stop? All this is very disturbing and I was just wondering why you made Assef such a disturbed human being?
Posted by Tequan Jackson | November 13, 2008 11:34 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 23:34
Dear Mr. Hosseini
I was assigned to read "The Kite Runner" by my grade twelve English teacher, and to be honest I don’t like reading a lot but I really enjoyed reading this one, I could not stop reading and I’m looking forward to reading your second book.
"The Kite Runner" was kind of sad but at the same time it teaches a lot about Afghanistan and its culture, it also shows the Afghanistan before and after war, and lets people see the good side of Afghanistan.
Do you think Afghanistan would ever be what it was back on the 70's?
I hope you answer my question. I congratulate you for doing such a good job, I really admire you.
Daniel Henao
Posted by Daniel | November 14, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on November 14, 2008 12:31
Our literary reading group will be discussing your brilliant novel 'A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS' tonight at our library here in a Vermont small town. I give thanks that our group of women can go out, unaccompanied, at night, to meet as a group to discuss your wonderful book. Isn't this "What education is for?" and what Mariam and Laila would have wished for? I have read and reread your books, and marvel at the strength, courage and wisdom of the Afghan women. A inspiration for me, to last a lifetime. Thank you so very much, Mr. Hosseini.
Posted by Cornelia Crocker | November 18, 2008 6:30 PM
Posted on November 18, 2008 18:30
Mr. Khaled Hosseini, I recently read your book “The Kite Runner”, as it was chosen as the core novel by the English department, and I am delighted to say, that it was probably one of the very few books that will leave an everlasting impression. I would like to thank you for writing such a meaningful book that truly reveals a person’s inner feelings and struggles to such a degree that you yourself feel as if you are the protagonist. The many obstacles and situations Amir is faced with can easily be resembled to any human being and the troubles each of us go through every day of our lives, and even though each individual handles these obstacles differently, it still shows how we are all connected under the universal human condition, and that essentially, we are all the same .The book also does a great job of showing people about the conditions of Afghanistan today, and how the country is dealing with the issues being thrown at it. Personally, I would like to say that I believe Afghanistan is a strong country, and the people that live there today even though may live in a dreadful state, they still live with hope for a better future. Even though the country itself may appear terrible as a whole, the many souls that occupy the country still live with high ambitions in mind, and good intentions at heart. In our class we have had many discussions on the characters of the novel paying particular attention to Amir, and Hassan. I think that Hassan’s personality stands out to me the most. I would just like to know if Hassan’s character was influenced by any one in your own life personally, because you portrayed him as some one with a pure and kind heart, someone we rarely see in the world today. Lastly I would just like to say may god bless all the innocent civilians in Afghanistan, the kids that are born into poverty, the women who aren’t given the rights they deserve, and the innocent children that roam the streets not knowing if they will live to see another day. I would also like to thank you once again for writing this book which I’m sure has touched several people, and look forward to reading your next book.
Posted by raoon | November 19, 2008 10:03 AM
Posted on November 19, 2008 10:03
Salam Mr Hosseini,
I remember being in a committee that chooses books for a reading initiative for the whole nation to read, and I was really glad we had chosen 'The Kite Runner'. I read the book and instantly felt moved and intrigued at the same time. Now I have just started on 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', and I have cried twice, I don't know but its just your way of writing that is vivid and real that truly moves me. Congratulations for this ability and I hope to read more of your work, in the meantime, I'm reading this book slowly, so that I won't ever finish it,( or at least slowly)as I truly enjoy every page of it. Great Work Mashallah
Posted by Aida | November 19, 2008 8:58 PM
Posted on November 19, 2008 20:58
I picked up 'The Kite Runner' a few days ago and was unable to put it down. An incredible story.
And more importantly a remarkable understanding of the human psyche. A thought came to mind. Have you considered a series of stories for the Afghan children? A legacy of hope and inspiration could certainly be born. What a fabulous way to contribute to the literacy issue.
Now that I have discovered your books I will continue to be inspired.
Posted by Denise Millar | November 20, 2008 10:50 AM
Posted on November 20, 2008 10:50
Hello
I read 'The Kite Runner' way before the movie came out and found it so enlightening!! The movie was for me a bit of a disappointment given the depth of the book. How much we in Canada and the US are influenced by the media is frightening!! All you hear is negative reports, suicide bombers, Taliban, training camps, hiding Osama, that women are brutalized by their own countrymen and somehow you assume the whole country is like that or at the very least tolerant of this kind of behavior.
For me and I am sure for many people you have put a human face to the Afghan people and to the Muslim world which for me personally was very frighting at best. Ignorance is not blessed!! Thank you for opening my eyes. God bless you and the Afghan people.
Posted by Joan Rogers | November 21, 2008 4:28 PM
Posted on November 21, 2008 16:28
Khaled Hosseini! Your books are masterpieces!!! I am currently writing a paper for my grade 12 English class relating to both of them. Here is my thesis:
In The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, the Author, Khaled Hosseini, shows us a glimpse of his past, raised in Afghanistan and moving to America with his family to escape war, both of which are represented in his books, as well as his recent trip back to Afghanistan, to his hometown of Kabul, where he found the same oppression of women, the same wide gap between the rich and the poor, the same persecution, and the same societal negativity that Khaled and his family had tried to escape from in the first place.
I was really looking forward to both reading these books and writing about them. They had me in tears and really made me examine my life as a woman in a free country and feel utterly blessed my God for giving me this life. I am not of the Muslim faith but am instead a Christian, I do, however, know that God is God no matter what and that He loves you and will always be with you! I just thought I would let you know that and tell you KEEP WRITING! Your books are changing lives here and all over the world.
Do you have any quotes for me about how you perceive your country of Afghanistan today relating to women and divisions in class? That could help me in my paper and would be sincerely appreciated.
TKR and ATSS are AMAZING BOOKS! Thank you for your time. Even if you don't read this, I'm satisfied that I wrote about this anyway.
Best Wishes and God Bless you!
Rachel Laderoute from Canada
Posted by Rachel Laderoute | November 24, 2008 10:23 AM
Posted on November 24, 2008 10:23
I have just joined a book club and our first book was 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. I was delighted as I had it on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Once again, I have put down your book feeling like I cannot pick up another one for a while yet. I don't want to let go of Laila and Mariam and I truly hope there are thousands more of them and Tariq who will help to rebuild a free and fair Afghanistan. Awaiting your next book with anticipation....(no pressure)!
Posted by Bonnie | November 25, 2008 12:37 AM
Posted on November 25, 2008 00:37
Dear, Mr. Hosseini.
I just want to thank you for writing. I am deeply moved by your novels and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to read your work.
Sincerely,
Gerbie ^_^
Posted by gerbie durante | December 8, 2008 6:11 AM
Posted on December 8, 2008 06:11
Mr Hosseini
I am Maryam, your book is very very wonderful. My mother is a writer.
Posted by maryam | December 13, 2008 2:56 AM
Posted on December 13, 2008 02:56
Mr Hosseini,
I have just finished 'The Kite Runner' and my wife has the copy of 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. Your writings are very impressive as you neither romanticize or demonize the culture, history or people of Afghanistan, you simply emphasize them. The situation in your home country is dire indeed and I do not know of a solution, I can only hope for the best as quite possibly the future of the freedoms exercised in America hinge on the stability of the land of the Afghans. As I have lived in Balkh for almost 8 months, I have a deeper appreciation than some for your writings, and again I applaud you.
Josh
Posted by Josh | December 21, 2008 7:29 AM
Posted on December 21, 2008 07:29
Hi! I'm a woman from Brazil, and I'd like to tell you're a brilliant writer. Your books are exciting and I adore them! With them I learned a lot of things about the life in Afghanistan beyond that I cried with yours stories. I wish you have a happy new year. I'm expecting your next book! P.S: Sorry for my English. kisses by Kelly, your fan.
Posted by Kelly | December 30, 2008 9:28 PM
Posted on December 30, 2008 21:28