Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini on identity

(Jeff Overs)
(Jeff Overs)

The Afghan-born American author of the Kite Runner discusses the issues of identity and family in his work.

Khaled Hosseini always hoped to make a living from writing − and has now become one of the world’s best-selling writers. “I never had the courage to admit it to myself but in my heart of hearts that was my dream” he says.

Born in Kabul, his family sought asylum in the United States, where he trained and worked as a doctor.

His first novel, The Kite Runner spent a hundred weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and he’s sold in the millions ever since.

Khaled Hosseini’s books present harrowing individual stories set against the recent brutal history of Afghanistan. He talks to Razia Iqbal about how he feels compelled to tell stories, his relationship with his homeland and how roots and identity are central to his work.  

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