reflection on the kite runner

        This historical fiction titled The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, revolves around a boy who in his childhood, struggles to survive in Afghanistan. He and his father are forced to move when the Russians occupy Kabul, the hometown of the main character, Amir. To me, history plays a role in the purpose of this novel.
        Khaled Hosseini's purpose is to explain how the Russians changed Amir's life when they occupied Afghanistan. The author hints at this by flash forwarding to 1981 which is when he and his father leave Afghanistan and embark on a journey to Peshawar in Pakistan. After the flashforward, the father seems to have lost much of his wealth. It says in the book that they left some belongings at their old house. No one could be trusted during this period of time. If they had packed everything, the servants would know they are leaving and might tell the Russians. The two also brought whatever they could carry. Since they are crowded in a truck and there is not much storage area, Baba had to leave behind much of his fortune. This affects Amir in that he can't live a lavish life anymore. He can't rely on his father's wealth and must find a job.
        A more obvious change in Amir's life is the fact that he has to live somewhere else. The question is where, but one thing is certain, he can't return to Afghanistan. There are the Russians who create havoc and murder anyone who has been heard to complain about their policies. That's why no one can be trusted in terms of keeping secrets and why Amir can't return to his homeland.
        I would say that the author did a good job getting the purpose across to the reader. The reason being is because the changes are so radical. Baba changes from a rich man to a poor one with a need to start over in a new place. Afghanistan assumes a similar analogy. It was once an independent country, but in the 1980s, the Russians occupy it. Once a quiet life has turned into a journey for Amir.