The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, a gripping and emotional novel by Khaled Hosseini, was published in 2016 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. This engrossing book, set against the volatile events of Afghanistan's last thirty years—from the fall of the monarchy through the Soviet invasion to the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States. It is a tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The book is not just about the personal journey of a boy, but it also explores the very heart of a convulsed nation. Its evocative depiction of a country torn apart by social and political change and its exploration of the power of childhood friendship, make it a book that will touch your heart and stay with you long after you've turned the last page. A must-read, The Kite Runner is an unforgettable journey into the human heart.

I became what I am today at the age of twelve. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a mud wall on a frigid winter day in 1975 . . . looking into a deserted alley. It's wrong what they say about the past, about how you can bury it, because the past claws its way out. I realize I've been looking into that alley for the last 26 years.

Afghanistan is a divided country on the verge of war and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It's a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither Hassan or Amir can foresee the terrible incident which will shatter their lives forever.

Khaled Hosseini's first and international best-selling novel has now been adapted into a stunning stage adaptation by Matthew Spangler.

This edition was published for the production at Wyndham's Theatre, London, from 21 December 2016.