Khaled Hosseini ​

Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-born American novelist and physician, best known for his internationally bestselling novels "The Kite Runner", "A Thousand Splendid Suns", and "And the Mountains Echoed". Famously focusing on tales of displacement and loss, his work has been translated into more than 50 languages, illuminating the beautiful and devastating realities of life in Afghanistan before and after Taliban rule.

Quick Facts ​

• Works include The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, And the Mountains Echoed, and Sea Prayer.
• His novels are popular for their empathetic characters and depiction of the socio-political situations in Afghanistan.
• The Kite Runner was a major motion picture and was a Book of the Month Club selection.
• Works have been translated into over 50 languages.
• Founded The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a nonprofit that provides humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
• His books have sold over 38 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Hosseini was born in 1965 in Kabul, Afghanistan, the eldest of five children. Due to his father's work as a diplomat, his family was relocated to Tehran, Iran, and then to Paris, France, but they were unable to return to Afghanistan due to the Saur Revolution. In 1980, they sought political asylum in the United States and settled in San Jose, California. Hosseini graduated from Independence High School in San Jose in 1984 and later received a bachelor's degree in biology from Santa Clara University and a medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. He practiced medicine for over ten years before publishing his first novel, "The Kite Runner", in 2003. The book became a bestseller and was followed by "A Thousand Splendid Suns" in 2007 and "And the Mountains Echoed" in 2013.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Hosseini's writing style is characterized by its emotional depth, beautifully descriptive language, and strong storytelling. He often explores themes of family, love, sacrifice, and the effects of political and social upheaval. His work has gained international acclaim for the way it has humanized the people of Afghanistan, and brought their stories to the attention of a global audience. His novels have served to educate and increase understanding about the complexities and struggles of the Afghan people.

Notable Works ​

• The Kite Runner (2003)
• A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007)
• And the Mountains Echoed (2013)
• Sea Prayer (2018)