The Kite Runner is about a boy who struggles to figure himself out after a lot of bad childhood experiences. Adult Amir appears in the United States in the beginning of the book, and has flashbacks to his childhood in Afghanistan. He is also trying to create a close relationship between he and his father, Baba. You can really understand how Amir grew up, in his situation.

One of the biggest struggles for Amir is learning to fit in; growing up in Afghanistan as a member of the privileged class yet not feeling like a privileged member of his own family. Hassan and his father, Ali, are servants, yet at times, Amir thinks of them more like family than friends. And Amir’s father, Baba, who does not always follow the rules of his culture, confuses rather than clarifies things for Amir. Many of the richer citizens in Afghanistan see the world in one way, but Amir sees it in many.

Not only are these issues bothering Amir, but he must also figure out how to deal with the instability of the Afghan political system in the 1970s. During this time, which takes place during an important kite flying tournament, Amir decides not to act — he decides not to confront bullies when he has the chance — and this conscious choice of inaction leads to guilt, lies, and betrayals. Eventually, because of the changing political climate, Amir and his father are forced to leave Afghanistan. Amir thinks of coming to America as an opportunity to forget his past.

Although Amir and Baba try to create a new life for themselves in the United States, the past is always there. When it comes back up, Amir is forced to return to his homeland to face the decisions that he had made when he was young, with only a slim hope to create forgiveness.

The Kite Runner is a story about relationships — specifically the relationships between Amir and Hassan, Baba, Rahim Khan— and how the complex relationships make us who we are.