Kite Runner: The Russian Officer

What I was thinking  of since I last read was the action and mischievious things happening on the chapter I read last. So meaningful, so inciteful. Kite Running is more than how is it worded. LoL. 

I am enjoying this book very much Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini because it's great and tells history of the Russian control on Afghanistan. An example of what I mean is on page119-125.  This part is from when Amir and Baba are caught and going to be held in captivity by Russian and an Afgan solder," His Eyes settled on the young  woman wearing the blackshawl. He spoke in Russian to Karim without taking his eyes off her.

Karim gave a curt reply in Russian, which the solder returned with an even curter retort. The Afgan solder said something too, in a low, reasoning voice. But the Russian soldier shouted something that made  the other two flinch. I could feel Baba tightening up next to me. Karim cleared his throat, dropped his head. Said the soldier wanted a half hour with the lady in the back of the truck. The young woman pulled the shawl down over her face. Burst into tears. The toddler sitting in her husband's lap started crying too.

      The husband's face had become as pale as the moon hovering above. He told Karim to ask Mister Soldier Sahib to show a little mercy, maybe  he had a sister or a mother, maybe he had a wife too. The Russian listened to Karim and barked  a series of words. It's his price for letting us pass, Karim said. He couldn't bring himself to look the husband in the eye. But we've paid the price alread. He's getting paid good money, the husband said. Karim and the Russian soldier spoke. He says...he says every price has a tax.

That was when Baba stood up. When he stood, he eclipsed the moonlight. I want you to ask this man something. Baba said. He said it to Karim, but looked directly at the Russian officer. Ask him where his shame is. They spoke. He says this is war. There is no shame in war. Tell him he's wrong. War doesn't negate decency. It demands it, even more than in times of peace." I think this was phenomenal part of what was going on in Afghanistan in the 80's, speechless; I am at a loss of words.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this book because of the new chapter I have started towards more dramatic scenes, for the next stop to report about. hmm..Today I was reading while traveling on the train to, and from Manhattan, while reading this book. It's really  a must read novel.