In The Kite Runner, Hosseini's debut novel, Hassan promises to help his young friend Amir win a local kite-fighting tournament. But unknown to them, Hassan would experience a life changing event that day. Following the invasion of the Russians, and the family escaping to America, Amir comes to accept that he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule in his quest for redemption.

A Thousand Splendid Suns, the second novel, starts with the marriage of fifteen-year old Mariam to Rasheed. Some years after, she develops a friendship with local, Laila. The take over of the Talibans changes life as they know it for the worse, but their heroism allow them to overcome their daunting struggles.