the kite runner

that island vacation did me some good. short as it was, it was enough to revive a drooping spirit. of course, the astronomical price of the gastronomic delights notwithstanding (about P1,500++ per meal!) the best part was being able to finally start and finish a novel!

it's been so long since i got caught up in the beauty of a well-written novel. only because its been SOOOO long since i had the time to read. but with that vacation, i got to experience again the emotions and imagery i associate solely with reading. i felt again the adrenaline rush as i vicariously lived the lives of the characters. ad i was able to visualize again the scenes in my mind, as accurately painted by a good writer. it's totally different experience... something both rewarding and enriching.

the kite runner gave me that wonderful experience again. the prose is quite direct. yet the images remained rich. the storyline was compelling. there were twist and turns that were surprising. the complexity of the relationship between amir and the kite runner was very thought-provoking. the unwavering loyalty (is it borne of a master-servant relationship, or is it because of friendship?) , the ghastly and scheming betrayal (what would one risk for friends, for subjects, for servants, for employees?)

my only criticism - i felt that it all tied up too neatly in the end. everything fell into place too perfectly. the kite runner's son has to be rescued for self-redemption, sociopath child becomes taliban master in the confrontation.

but these pale in comparison to the praise of prose the book deserves.

the joy of reading. i hope everybody finds the time to indulge..