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Cover of The Kite Runner

Literary · Historical

The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

Bestseller: about 31.5 million copies (estimate)

4.2 out of 5, from 2,186 ratings from Hardcover readers

Amir grows up in Kabul with his servant's son Hassan as his closest friend, and a betrayal in childhood haunts him. Years later, in California, he is offered a chance to set things right.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2003
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
401
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Kite Runner Collection
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want an emotional, plot-driven novel about guilt, friendship and a country changing around its people.

Skip this if you can't read about the assault of a child or about brutal violence.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Sexual assault
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Violence
  • War
  • Death
  • Prejudice

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Rape
  • Child abuse
  • Estupro
  • Suicide attempt

Quick answers about The Kite Runner

What is The Kite Runner about?
Amir grows up in Kabul with his servant's son Hassan as his closest friend, and a betrayal in childhood haunts him. Years later, in California, he is offered a chance to set things right.
Who should read The Kite Runner?
Read it if you want an emotional, plot-driven novel about guilt, friendship and a country changing around its people. Skip it if you can't read about the assault of a child or about brutal violence.
How long and how fast is The Kite Runner?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 401 pages, first published in 2003.
Does The Kite Runner have content warnings?
Content we flag: Sexual assault, Child sexual abuse, Violence, War, Death, Prejudice.
Can I borrow The Kite Runner for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Kite Runner; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Kite Runner?
Readers who liked it often move on to A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Book Thief, Pachinko.

Where to get it

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