The book is a story of two young Afghan boys, Amir and Hassan. it is set during the time when the Taliban was rising and the Soviet Union was attacking Afghanistan. Amir, the son of a wealthy merchant, loves to fly kites and his servant’s son and trusted friend Hassan is his kite runner. One day, Hassan is brutally assaulted by a young boy Ali who swore to take revenge when Hassan protected him using his slingshot in an attempt to rescue Amir. Amir, however, did not go to help or call for help as he is too scared to intervene. He is guilty about this eventually Hassan is to leave Kabul for good with his father. Years later Amir and his father move to California where he marries Soraya. Fifteen years later he decides to back to Afghanistan.

The book reveals the friendship and loyalty that is not lost between all the cruelty that is surrounding the characters.