Hosseini also describes clear differences in setting between the present America and the past Kabul by using contrasting settings such as ‘summer’ and ‘winter’, ‘sparkling lake’ and ‘frozen creek’ and ‘Golden Gate Park’ and ‘deserted alley’ with a ‘crumbling mud wall’. These words suggest a big contrast between the two countries and also implies that Amir as come far in life to be living in such a nicer place. In addition to this, he mentions places like ‘Golden Gate Park’ and ‘Kabul’ casually as if the reader knows the places already, making them feel as though they are more a part of the story.
The metaphor about the past and how it ‘claws its way out’ provides imagery and intrigues the reader, making them wonder about what Amir saw that day.
The author slips into past tense when giving in-depth details of the story, providing a sort of flashback effect: ‘and suddenly Hassan’s voice whispered in my head: For you, a thousand times over.’ The immediacy of the speech here grabs the attention of the reader making them feel closer to the action.
Hossieni uses very short sentences throughout the chapter and he does this to give the words in the sentences more meaning, single words are blunter and it’s as if he’s forcing himself to confront them like they’re his burden. “I thought about Hassan. I thought about Baba. Ali. Kabul.” The listing of names here also triggers questions as to who they are and what happened in Kabul.
The passage has a cyclical structure by referring again to ‘the winter of 1975’ at the very start and end of the chapter. Even though the narator doesn’t reveal much, you feel you understand the opening sentence much better and wish to find out more e.g. ‘And made me what I am today’.- The reader cannot help but ask: What is he today?!
To conclude, Hosseini uses a number of techniques to draw the reader into the narrative. The personal details described, along with the ambiguity of what actually occurred, stirs the curiosity of the reader. The significance of what Amir is not sharing with us right away forms mystery from the lack of explanation.
