The Kite Runner unfolds in Afghanistan and the United States from the 1970s to 2002, weaving a tale of intertwined personal struggles and tragedies against a backdrop of national and cultural upheaval. The initial chapters delve into the rich tapestry of Afghan culture as experienced by the young Amir and Hassan in Kabul. The narrative offers insights into everything from the melon vendors in the bazaar to the sophisticated social and intellectual lives of Kabul's elite during the monarchy, as well as the traditional pastimes of Afghan children.

Vivid descriptions immerse the reader in events such as a large family outing to a lake and Kabul's annual winter kite tournament. However, subsequent political changes drastically curtail these freedoms. The Soviet-backed Communist government, the Northern Alliance, and finally the Taliban progressively repress Afghan citizens' activities. The effects of these political shifts are revealed through first-person narration and the accounts of Rahim Khan, Farid, and Hassan, covering life in Afghanistan from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.

From the novel's early chapters, significant political events, such as the revolution that topples the monarchy, become integral to the plot. For instance, the gunfire in Chapter 5 sparks a series of political upheavals that culminate in the Communist takeover of Afghanistan, forcing Baba and Amir, along with many from the privileged class, into exile. This marks the end of a relatively idyllic period, despite the injustices of the caste system. Amir reflects, "The generation of Afghan children whose ears would know nothing but the sounds of bombs and gunfire was not yet born." This observation foreshadows the traumatized state of Amir's nephew Sohrab, who is born amidst violence and suffers under the Taliban.

The Kite Runner is among the first works of fiction to include the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States within its narrative. Following the attacks, Afghanistan was often depicted in the media as a country that harbored terrorists and violated human rights. Through a detailed personal narrative, the novel shifts the focus, offering a nuanced view of Afghanistan, a country with a complex and fascinating history despite its challenges.

The novel is set against the backdrop of contemporary multicultural America, particularly in California. This diverse and dynamic environment is crucial to understanding the story. Hosseini, whose father was a diplomat and mother a teacher, emigrated from Afghanistan with his family in 1981, mirroring Amir's journey. Similarly, Amir's experiences within the Afghan immigrant community in Fremont, California—often referred to as "Little Kabul" in the San Francisco Bay Area—may draw from Hosseini's own experiences after moving to San Jose in the 1980s. Amir’s life as a young immigrant in the Bay Area showcases the growing cultural diversity in the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s.

The novel also explores how an ethnic group established a cultural enclave within American society to support each other and maintain Afghan traditions. Through vivid descriptions in the middle and later chapters, readers gain insight into the cultural practices that shape the Afghan community in Fremont. Amir and Soraya are immersed in broader American culture—attending public schools, interacting with non-Afghan peers, and pursuing careers in education. Amir takes creative writing classes, exposing him to diverse perspectives, while Soraya works as a writing instructor at a community college. Despite their integration into American society, their Afghan identities are reinforced by family and community traditions. For instance, the Saturday swap meets illustrate how immigrant groups adapt existing American institutions to preserve their cultural heritage.