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In both The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini uses the official modern-day language of Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan Farsi. The use of Farsi in The Kite Runner partially distances the reader from the sensitive topics that appear as well as ostracising the Western readers from having a full understanding of the tumultuous events of Amir’s life in Afghanistan. Hosseini seemingly does this to emphasize the lack of relatability with other countries. However, it is arguable that the narrative is also guided by betrayal, corruption, and family trauma which is not bound by cultural values but can be felt by all irrespective of personal cultural normalities or language. Similarly in A Thousand Splendid Suns Hosseini uses Farsi to highlight the cultural nuances of Afghanistan and the differences in cultural norms and beliefs with Western countries. The use of the Farsi language allows for different interpretations of relationships, such as the relationship between Mariam and her mother in A Thousand Splendid Suns an

d the extent to which it is forged on fear or respect, meaning the story and characters can develop differently with each reader. Discounting language distance is also likely to be naturally occurring within each novel as Hosseini didn’t experience Taliban Afghanistan as he and his family were able to escape when Hosseini was 5 and didn’t return, much like Amir in The Kite Runner, until he was much older. Hosseini later explains the guilt he felt as a survivor during the Soviet invasion and following wars. His feelings of guilt allow him to use guilt as a strong emotion within each novel. While Hosseini in both The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns uses language to distance the reader from some aspects of Afghanistan culture, arguably, the Farsi language can also allow a deeper more accurate depiction of the Afghanistani society regarding cultural references which appear to span boundaries such as jinn relating to the supernatural creature believed by Mariam to enter her mother’s body when in reality she is having a seizure.