Talisman Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I am reading the Kite Runner at the moment, and it is by far the best book that I have read in ages - since I was a teenager in fact, and I am 43 this year! It is one of those books that has so many layers - at times political, at times deeply touching, and also very much a tale about retribution and the law of cause and effect. It has had me very close to tears also at several points - the rape scene, the stoning scene, when Baba dies and he realises that he has been lied to all his life. I also like the fact that there are no graphic sex scenes - what happens is not described in too much detail, so it becomes much more powerful and absorbing. It is one of those books though that one can get so completely absorbed in that I forget to go back to work when I read it during my lunch break! It is almost as if reading it, I am not a bystander but actually there. I can't wait to see the film! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supergran71 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I saw the film yesterday and it is exactly as you have described the book. I was very moved and at times horrified. The child actors are superb and very natural. All the other actors, whom I presume from their names are either Afghans or Pakistani, played their parts very convincingly too. Nothing was overdone, mostly understated and some things left to your imagination, nothing graphic. I hope it receives loads of awards. I must read the book now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazmine Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Though I definitely cried while watching the movie, it did not capture the emotions the way book did. And yes, those young boys played thier characters with such audacity. Movie was spectacular, no doubt, but book was just something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I saw the film yesterday and it is exactly as you have described the book. I was very moved and at times horrified. The child actors are superb and very natural. All the other actors, whom I presume from their names are either Afghans or Pakistani, played their parts very convincingly too. Nothing was overdone, mostly understated and some things left to your imagination, nothing graphic. I hope it receives loads of awards. I must read the book now I thought the film was good also and I enjoyed being able to see the kite flying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyanddandy Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 It has had me very close to tears also at several points - the rape scene, the stoning scene, when Baba dies and he realises that he has been lied to all his life. I also like the fact that there are no graphic sex scenes - what happens is not described in too much detail, so it becomes much more powerful and absorbing. Ooh too much information for those of us with it on Mt TBR!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Ooh too much information for those of us with it on Mt TBR!! Yes indeed! Please remember to use spoilers because not all of us have read it yet! (Maybe I don't need to now.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Princess Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Have just finished The Kite Runner. I have to say that I throughly enjoyed it. It is not the type of book that I would ordinarily choose for myself, I only read it at my sister's insistence at how much I would enjoy it. She was right, I just couldn't put it down and have been reading it at every opportunity. I would like to watch the film version now to see how it compares. Does anybody know when it is due out on DVD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 There is no release date for the DVD as yet, I believe. If you are an Amazon user, they'll email you when the date is announced if you click on 'notify me...'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazmine Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 Have just finished The Kite Runner. I have to say that I throughly enjoyed it. It is not the type of book that I would ordinarily choose for myself, I only read it at my sister's insistence at how much I would enjoy it. She was right, I just couldn't put it down and have been reading it at every opportunity. I would like to watch the film version now to see how it compares. Does anybody know when it is due out on DVD? Will you give Thousand Splendid a shot too? I know many people who enjoyed it, perhaps more than the Kite Runner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Princess Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Will you give Thousand Splendid a shot too? I know many people who enjoyed it, perhaps more than the Kite Runner. Yes I am planning to read it at some point, I will probably wait until it comes out in standard paperback size then buy it. I have heard alot of good things about his second book, it is definatley on my 'to be read in the future' list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thereader Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I have seen the film, but was wondering has anybody read the book, and if so, what are your comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I'm the other way round - I've read the book, but not yet seen the film. You can find my review of it HERE. As you'll be able to see - I loved the book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceinwenn Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Have read the book, but haven't seen the film. Is there an English version of it? The only one I've seen had subtitles. Not that I mind subtitles, was just curious. Loved the book, btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thereader Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 (edited) I went and watched the film last year in Birmingham, in English, it was a truly wonderful film, loved every minute of it. The other book by him was "A Thousand Splendid Suns" Edited February 1, 2009 by Janet Merged consecutive posts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethany725 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I'm the other way round - I've read the book, but not yet seen the film. I'm the same as Kell.. read the book, but haven't seen the film. Would love to hear from someone that's done both, to see how the film stood up to the book. Loved the book.. such a great story, and a bit of an emotional one. It's one of those books that stays with you for a while after you've turned all the pages. His next book "A Thousand Splendid Suns," was even better to me. I'd definitely recommend a read of both, to most people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 My hubby actually got the film for me the other day so I'll be watching it soon - I've been looking forward to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethany725 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Fabulous! Let me know how you like it.. I may try to watch it if you think it's worth seeing after reading the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimera Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Fabulous! Let me know how you like it.. I may try to watch it if you think it's worth seeing after reading the book. Oh yes, do let us know! Is it a recent film? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwemad Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I enjoyed the book. I recall we had borrowed the film to watch at home but I was called in to work and had to leave part way through. I remember quite vividly the 'domestic' we had when I discovered my dear other half had returned it before I had chance to watch the rest. I will be tuning in to see if it is worth me seeking it out again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Oh yes, do let us know! Is it a recent film? It was released in 2007 - info HERE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thereader Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hi Bethany, I am reading the book now, will let you know how it compares to the film. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucr Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I have written this same question as a topic, but then the admin has sent me this page. I have just finished The Kite Runner. I think it has differentlayers and themes that can be discussed. I want to know your opinions onsome questions that I wonder. What motivates Amir exactly? Do you thinklove or obligation motivates him? Second question is that do you thinkthat the book suggests if our country is under threat, we have anobligation to stay and help effect change or we have an obligation toyourself and your family’s safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angury Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) I have written this same question as a topic, but then the admin has sent me this page. I have just finished The Kite Runner. I think it has different layers and themes that can be discussed. I want to know your opinions on some questions that I wonder. What motivates Amir exactly? Do you think love or obligation motivates him? Second question is that do you think that the book suggests if our country is under threat, we have an obligation to stay and help effect change or we have an obligation to yourself and your family’s safety. Hey, good questions. Regarding your first question, do you mean what motivates Amir to come back or to take Sohrab away (or both)? I think more than anything it's guilt that leads to Amir's actions. I believe that time when he set Hassan up with the watch was still in Amir's mind, and he cannot let go of that. So I do think more than anything else it's obligation that brings him back - he wants to set things right. As for your second question, I think it's up to the individual person, but ultimately most people would choose their family. I think conscription is an awful thing and no one should be forced into such a horrific act. However, I do think there are people out there who would be willing to stay and fight. There are some patriotic people out there, and some incredibly courageous human beings who believe they can, and should make a difference no matter how small. But again, I don't think everyone is like that. I know I would choose my family, but maybe that has to do with my age as well? I wonder if you're more likely to stay and fight for your country if you're older, or not a parent? I guess it depends how much your family relies on you, and how much faith you have in your own abilities to stay and revolt. Then again, people can show some surprising acts of bravery when the circumstances call for it - perhaps it's not that easy to predict. Edited March 25, 2014 by Angury Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timstar Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 Finally got around to reading this, and after a slow start I really enjoyed it, especially the final third of the novel, it really picks up with some hard hitting scenes and situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) Great book i bought it online. i enjoy reading it. A thousand splendid was awesome too! Edited July 14, 2017 by chesilbeach Link removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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