Chapter 17 Kite Runner

Summary

Amir meets with Rahim Khan and receives an envelope containing a letter and photograph from Hassan. The letter reveals that Hassan and his family were killed by the Taliban in Baba's house, and their house was taken over. Rahim Khan tells Amir that there is a way for him to redeem himself and asks him to go to Kabul to rescue Hassan's son, Sohrab, who is in an orphanage. Despite Amir's reluctance and suggestion to pay someone else to do it, Rahim Khan insists that he must go. Rahim Khan also reveals that Ali was not Hassan's biological father and that Amir knows who it was. This angers Amir, and he storms out of the apartment.

Key Points

1. Chapter of redemption for Amir.

2. Amir sets out to make things right for Hassan and his family.

3. Amir must confront the horrors of the Taliban regime.

4. Amir must also confront the trauma inflicted upon Sohrab.

5. The chapter highlights the theme of cycles of violence.

6. The sins of the past can have a profound impact on the present.