The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

This is an excellent first novel about loyalty, friendship and betrayal.
Privileged Amir grows up with low-caste Hassan, the son of his father’s servant, in 1970s Afghanistan. The boys are close and Hassan is incredibly loyal to Amir, even though he must also serve him.
However, Amir is jealous of the affection and respect his own father shows to Hassan.
Hassan helps Amir to win a kite-fighting competition and also his father’s approval. But then Amir betrays Hassan in a terrible way.
Only after Hassan’s death, twenty years later, can Amir make amends in an exciting and gripping climax.