The book tells the life of a girl named Nidali, the feminine version of Nidal, which means "struggle".

[1] A Map of Home is a coming-of-age tale, telling the story of Nidali's life in Kuwait, Egypt, and the United States.

[1] Set during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a larger backdrop, the novel depicts the struggles of Nidali and her family, exploring the question of what "home" means, and the character's identity.

[1] The author, Randa Jarrar, grew up in Kuwait and Egypt, moving to America soon after the Gulf War; This story is loosely autobiographical.

[3] A Map of Home discusses the Gulf War, warfare and bombings, the invasion of Kuwait, and more political and social turmoil.

The story is set upon a backdrop of ethnic division, politics, war, culture, and the looming theme of "home".

[4] Nidali is born in Boston to a Palestinian father (Baba) and Egyptian mother (Mama) and acquires an American passport.

[2] Throughout the book, Nidali navigates public affection and sexual experiences under the strict Arab law, as well as exploring masturbation.