Khaled Hosseini

2.1. Birth and Family

Khaled Hosseini was born on March 4, 1965, in Kabul, Afghanistan, as the eldest of five children. His father, Nasser, served as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, while his mother worked as a Persian teacher at a girls' high school. Both of his parents hailed from Herat. Hosseini describes his ethnic background as mixed, stating, "I'm not pure anything. There's a Pashtun part of me, a Tajik part of me." His mother's family is believed to be from the Mohammadzai tribe of Pashtuns.

2.2. Immigration and Asylum

In 1970, when Hosseini was five years old, his family relocated to Tehran, Iran, where his father worked at the Embassy of Afghanistan. They returned to Kabul in 1973, and his youngest brother was born there in July of that year. In 1976, at the age of 11, Hosseini's father secured a diplomatic position in Paris, France, leading the family to move there.

However, their ability to return to Afghanistan was tragically cut short by the Saur Revolution in April 1978, when the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) seized power. In 1980, shortly after the onset of the Soviet-Afghan War, the family was unable to return home and sought political asylum in the United States, eventually settling in San Jose, California. Hosseini, then 15 years old, arrived in the U.S. unable to speak English, describing the experience as "a culture shock" and "very alienating." He later acknowledged suffering from survivor's guilt for having been able to leave Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion and subsequent wars, an experience that resonated with the protagonist of his debut novel.

The family remained acutely aware of the dire situations faced by their friends and relatives still in Afghanistan. Hosseini recounted the violence of the communist coup, where many were "rounded up and executed," imprisoned, or simply disappeared, particularly those affiliated with the previous regime or the royal family. He cited the disappearance of his wife's uncle, a renowned singer and composer in Kabul who had openly opposed the communists, as a stark example. Hearing "horror stories" of mass executions from afar made the reality of the conflict "surreal" yet intensely personal for his family.

2.3. Childhood and Experiences in Kabul

Hosseini spent eight years of his childhood in the upper-class Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood of Kabul. He remembers Kabul as "a growing, thriving, cosmopolitan city" where he frequently flew kites with his cousins, a cherished memory that would later become a central motif in his first novel. He also noted that his sister, Raya, never experienced discrimination for being female during their time there, painting a picture of a more open and vibrant Kabul before the decades of conflict.

3.1. Education

Khaled Hosseini completed his high school education at Independence High School in San Jose, graduating in 1984. He then enrolled at Santa Clara University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1988. The following year, he pursued his medical studies at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, from which he received his M.D. in 1993.

3.2. Medical Career

After graduating from medical school, Hosseini completed his internal medicine residency at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 1997. He practiced medicine for over a decade, continuing his medical career for approximately a year and a half after the publication of his debut novel, The Kite Runner. Hosseini candidly described his medical profession as being akin to "an arranged marriage," indicating a sense of obligation rather than passion. The overwhelming success of The Kite Runner ultimately provided him the opportunity to retire from medicine and pursue his true calling as a full-time writer.

4.1. The Kite Runner

Hosseini's debut novel, The Kite Runner, was published in 2003. The story centers on Amir, a young boy grappling with the complexities of his relationship with his father and the lingering trauma of a pivotal childhood event. The narrative explores universal themes of guilt, redemption, and the enduring impact of past actions. It also delves into the sensitive issue of ethnic conflict between the Hazara and Pashtun communities in Afghanistan, as well as the experiences of immigration.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history, spanning from the fall of the monarchy in the 1970s through the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, subsequent civil wars, and the rise and fall of the Taliban regime. Parts of the story also take place in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically Fremont, California, reflecting the immigrant experience. The Kite Runner achieved immense critical and commercial success, becoming the best-selling novel in the United States in 2005, according to Nielsen BookScan. It spent an impressive 101 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list, including three weeks at number one. Hosseini himself recorded the audio version of the book. In December 2007, the novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name, in which Hosseini made a cameo appearance as a bystander.

4.2. A Thousand Splendid Suns

Hosseini's second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, was released on May 22, 2007. Also set in Afghanistan, this novel addresses many of the same societal issues as The Kite Runner but shifts its perspective to focus on the lives of Afghan women. The narrative intertwines the fates of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become inextricably linked after Mariam's husband marries Laila. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent thirty-year transition, from the period of Soviet occupation to the era of Taliban control and the subsequent post-Taliban rebuilding efforts. The novel was published by Riverhead Books and simultaneously released as an audiobook by Simon & Schuster. Its adaptation rights were later acquired by producer Scott Rudin and Columbia Pictures. A Thousand Splendid Suns was also a significant commercial success, spending 103 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list, with 15 weeks at the top position.

4.3. And the Mountains Echoed

Hosseini's third novel, And the Mountains Echoed, was published on May 21, 2013. Prior to its release, Hosseini described his enduring thematic focus, stating, "I am forever drawn to family as a recurring central theme of my writing. My earlier novels were at heart tales of fatherhood and motherhood. My new novel is a multi-generational family story as well, this time revolving around brothers and sisters, and the ways in which they love, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for each other." The novel delves into complex family relationships across generations and geographical distances, exploring themes of separation, sacrifice, and the bonds that connect individuals despite life's challenges. It remained on The New York Times Best Seller list for 33 weeks.

4.4. Other Works

In addition to his major novels, Hosseini published Sea Prayer in 2018, an illustrated short story. This poignant work was inspired by the tragic drowning of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, a Syrian refugee attempting to reach Europe. Proceeds from the sales of Sea Prayer are dedicated to supporting the UNHCR and The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, underscoring Hosseini's commitment to humanitarian causes.

4.5. Themes and Style

Khaled Hosseini's novels are characterized by their deep engagement with Afghan culture, history, and the profound impact of war on individuals and society. Recurring themes include the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the relationships between parents and children, and siblings. His narratives frequently explore the experiences of refugees and the Afghan diaspora, shedding light on the challenges of displacement and cultural identity.

A significant aspect of his work is the exploration of guilt and redemption, often through characters grappling with past actions and seeking reconciliation. Hosseini also addresses sensitive social issues, such as ethnic tension (notably between the Hazara and Pashtun communities in The Kite Runner) and the resilience of Afghan women in the face of adversity, particularly highlighted in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Through his powerful storytelling, Hosseini aims to spread awareness about the Afghan people and their culture, emphasizing the tragic modern history of Afghanistan and the importance of human rights and democratic development. He has expressed a strong sense of responsibility for the stories he tells about Afghanistan, urging readers to pay attention to the plight of Afghan women and other vulnerable populations.

5.1. UNHCR Goodwill Envoy

Khaled Hosseini currently serves as a Goodwill Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In this role, he actively advocates for refugee rights and global support for displaced populations. His commitment to the cause began earlier, as he worked with the UNHCR as part of a U.S. delegation for a year in 2006. His illustrated short story, Sea Prayer, published in 2018, was specifically created to raise awareness and funds for refugees, with proceeds directly benefiting the UNHCR.

5.2. The Khaled Hosseini Foundation

Inspired by a trip to Afghanistan in 2007 with the UNHCR, Hosseini established The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. This organization is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and support to Afghan refugees, particularly those returning to Afghanistan. The foundation focuses on critical areas such as building homes for returning refugees, providing shelter, and offering assistance to vulnerable populations. The proceeds from his work, including his short story Sea Prayer, contribute to the foundation's efforts, underscoring his deep personal commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people.

6.1. Literary and Cultural Influences

From a young age, Hosseini was deeply immersed in Persian literature, particularly the works of renowned poets such as Rumi, Omar Khayyám, Abdul-Qādir Bēdil, and Hafez. These poetic traditions instilled in him a profound appreciation for storytelling and the nuances of language. He also cited a Persian translation of Jack London's White Fang as a key influence from his youth, alongside translations of other Western novels like Alice in Wonderland and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer series. Musically, Hosseini credits Afghan singer Ahmad Zahir, whom he refers to as "the Afghan Elvis," as a significant influence. He chose Zahir's songs "Madar" and "Aye Padesha Khuban" as his "Inheritance Tracks" during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live, emphasizing that Zahir's music constitutes "one of the seminal memories of my time in Afghanistan." The title of his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is itself derived from a verse by a 17th-century Persian poet, reflecting the enduring impact of this literary tradition on his work.

6.2. Personal Experiences and Memories

Hosseini's narratives are deeply informed by his personal experiences and cherished childhood memories of Afghanistan. He holds "very fond memories of [his] childhood in Afghanistan" before the Soviet invasion, which provided a vibrant backdrop for his early works. His interactions with the Hazara people also significantly influenced The Kite Runner. He recalls teaching a Hazara man named Hossein Khan, who worked for his family in Iran, how to read and write when Hosseini was in third grade. Though their relationship was brief and formal, this memory served as a profound inspiration for the complex bond between Hassan and Amir in his debut novel. Furthermore, his family's period of exile in Paris, France, and his memories of Afghan children encountered during that time, played a significant role in shaping the themes and narrative structure of his third novel, And the Mountains Echoed.

7.1. Family and Relationships

Khaled Hosseini is married to Roya, and together they have two children. In July 2022, Hosseini publicly announced on social media that his 21-year-old child had come out as transgender, expressing his immense pride and support for his child's journey. This public declaration underscored his progressive values and advocacy for human rights beyond his literary and humanitarian work.

7.2. Identity

Hosseini identifies as an Afghan-American, reflecting his dual heritage and cultural background. He is fluent in both Persian and Pashto, the two official languages of Afghanistan. Despite his cultural ties, he describes himself as a secular Muslim, indicating a personal approach to faith that is distinct from strict religious observance. His ethnicity is a blend of Pashtun and Tajik heritage, embodying the diverse ethnic landscape of Afghanistan.

8.1. Literary Awards

Hosseini's novels have garnered several prestigious literary awards:

Additionally, The Kite Runner was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, an influential literary award in the United States, further acknowledging its critical acclaim upon release.

8.2. Other Honors

Beyond specific literary awards, Hosseini has been recognized for his broader achievements and humanitarian work:

• In 2008, he received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, an honor that acknowledges his overall impact and contributions.
• In 2014, Hosseini was awarded the John Steinbeck Award from the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University, recognizing his work's resonance with Steinbeck's themes of social justice and the human condition.