The conclusion to Khaled Hosseini's novel The Kite Runner reflects earlier themes and avoids the typical fairytale happily ever after. Assef upon confrontation with Amir in their early childhood explains that "Nothing is free in this world" (34). This important theme is related to throughout Amir's journey, suffering greatly in order to fix his previous mistakes.
Everything seems to be working itself out. Amir has fought and nearly died to retrieve his nephew from Afghanistan, and the only thing left is to make his way back to America. Fate is not so kind. Because he does not have the required papers, it seems almost impossible for him to legally adopt Sohrab and bring him to America. Sohrab being a severely sad and damaged child rejects the thought of returning to an orphanage until Amir can find a home for him. In protest he slits his wrists in a suicidal attempt. Sohrab ends up alive in the end, however. At first glance this seemed almost pointless because he was almost dead but then found to be alive within a few pages. When being further examined this event is Hosseini's way of redirecting us back to the theme: Nothing is free. His intent with Sohrab's stunt is to prove to the reader that you can achieve what you wish to achieve, but it will certainly come with some consequences.
The very end of the novel, like Sohrab's attempt at suicide, reflects the same theme. Sohrab is still a damaged child, and the very small smile he gives Amir shows a spark of hope. A small piece of happiness. We do not need to see a happy ending where they are playing happily or where Sohrab is excited about his new room. Amir and Sohrab have paid the price for freedom, and only over time will life begin to get better. At first reading I hated Hosseini's ending. It seemed like it went nowhere, and that Amir was right back where he started. This was not the case however. It was not some fake happy ending that we all wish for, it was real, believable.
