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misskayleareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
5.0
"The Kite Runner" is one of my favorite books, so I had to grab this graphic novel when I saw it on the shelf. I love it when books I like come out in graphic novel format because they're a way for me to experience the story in a different way and to get a refresher in a time-efficient manner. This book definitely didn't disappoint me. I wasn't particularly impressed with the artwork, but that didn't bother me at all in this case. The story is so fantastic that I really didn't notice that the art isn't spectacular; in a way, the plain drawings allow the story to take center stage. And while some graphic novel adaptations lose something in the abbreviated format, this book sums up the plot of the original novel very well.
lawbooks600's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Score: Seven out of ten.
Okay. This one was brutal. I liked this illustrated adaptation of The Kite Runner, but I don't want to reread this one. I only saw it on a library display shelf a few days ago and decided to pick it up. I glanced at the intriguing blurb, and when I closed the final page, I enjoyed it, but it was heartrending.
This specific version of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (with artwork from Fabio Celoni and Mirka Andolfo) starts with Amir in the 1970s living his life in Afghanistan, but most prominently, he spends some of his time flying and fighting other kites. That is until the Soviets invade Afghanistan, forcing him to flee to America, but that is only one part of the narrative. The first half or so focuses on Amir's life in Afghanistan, which can be difficult for him sometimes, because of expectations from his father rooted in toxic masculinity, like having to physically fight off people, when Amir would rather read and even write a book. Scratch that. It was a lot more than difficult. The second half, lasting only a few pages, revolves around Amir living in America in the 1980s, then going back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in the early 2000s in the bittersweet final pages, which looks entirely different to the Afghanistan he knew.
I don't know where to begin with The Kite Runner, but I'll try: I mostly liked the art, except the intense and graphic scenes that appeared sometimes, which were harder to read. I liked the characters, especially Amir, as he developed his character, and showed traits I appreciated. I know this edition of The Kite Runner is less than 150 pages, making it short, it still uses every page and nothing goes to waste. The only white space are the margins. The pacing is swift, too. I liked this one, and wonder what the original is like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Terminal illness, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, War, Death of parent, Bullying, Racism, and Death
Full trigger warnings: Racism, death of a father from a terminal illness, blood, grief and loss depiction, physical assault and injury, bullying, military violence and war themes, displacement, refugee experiencesmoonchildjuli's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual violence, Gore, Grief, Death of parent, Rape, Physical abuse, Alcohol, War, Ableism, Suicide, Blood, Violence, Death, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
So many trigger warnings so tread with caution. So much grief and emotion and heartbreak. I don't think my heart would be able to handle reading the full novel, so I'm glad I spent some time with this version.
bibliophilekiera's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
leilah_grace's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
moonchiichii's review against another edition
4.0
I read this just because I wanted to get a gist of what the novel was like and . . . OMG I'M STARTING THIS NOVEL TOMORROW!!! This story is so sad but so beautiful at the same time
kpeps's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Heart wrenching plot coupled with beautiful graphics for a gorgeous yet devastating read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Racism, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Racial slurs, Trafficking, Rape, Death of parent, and Blood