 The characters "took on a life of their own" at this point and "became very real for [him]".Similar to "The Kite Runner", the manuscript had to be extensively revised; Hosseini divulged that he ultimately wrote the book five times before it was complete.The novel's anticipated release was first announced in October 2006, when it was described as a story about "family, friendship, faith and the salvation to be found in love".