Lessons about Muslim culture in "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

I read novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini as it was recommended by James Altucher. The novel is a story of an Afghan boy who flees from Afghanistan to USA and much more connecting the war in Afghanistan to 9/11 terrorist attacks in USA. By staying 10 months in Turkey I learned a lot about Turkish and Muslim culture. But by reading two books of Hosseini I learned a lot more about Muslim culture.

The novel gives tells how important it is to follow the traditions in Afghan culture.  Especially now a days in the western world often the individualism is highlighted how one should follow their heart and do what they feel being right. As in the Afghan culture the most important is to follow the old traditions and values in order to maintain the harmony and the reputation within the community. One has to make sacrifices and give up own desires in order to keep the reputation of yourself and your family. Even though the facade might look great, there are tightly kept secrets underneath.

Racism is also discussed in the novel. No matter how loyal or good human being Hazara people are in the novel, they are never treated equal. Similar way bastard children are also in a very difficult position.

The male protagonist Amir is few times thinking how lucky he is as he has a male privilege compared to women. In order to learn better the social status of women in Muslim culture, I read the second book of Hossein "A Thousand splendid suns". Even though a man has behaved irresponsible and a woman has been involved, he can escape the responsibility, by blaming the woman and then without a question the woman has to carry the consequences. Another example is that as long as the husband did not abuse his position of power the the female protagonist Mariam in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" was happy with him. With power comes responsibility.

I did not like the chapter 22  in The Kite Runner as it was like a cliche from an action movie where the bad guy is in a total control of the situation and still the good guy manages to make a miraculous escape. Despite the cliche scene I can strongly recommend reading both of the books mentioned in this review.