However, Hosseini draws heavily on his own experiences growing up in Afghanistan and the impact of the Soviet invasion and the following years of civil war on his life and the lives of people around him. He has said that the book explores themes of "guilt, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship" and that many of the events in the book are inspired by real events and people he knew.
Therefore, while *The Kite Runner* is not a factual account of a specific person or event, it reflects the realities and traumas of the time and place in which it is set. It is a powerful story that resonates with readers because of its emotional depth and its connection to real-life experiences.