A father must fight for custody of his son after his wife leaves them. Ted Kramer is blindsided when his wife, Joanna, leaves him and their young son, Billy. Initially, Ted struggles to balance his demanding career with the responsibilities of single parenthood. However, as Joanna attempts to re-enter their lives and seeks custody of Billy, Ted finds himself in a legal and emotional battle to prove he is a fit parent and to keep his son.

Kramer vs Kramer is widely recognized for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of divorce and its impact on families. The novel is praised for its nuanced characters and its unflinching look at the emotional toll of a custody battle on both parents and child. It is often cited for its contribution to discussions about changing gender roles and parental responsibilities in the late 20th century. The narrative's focus on the father's perspective was particularly notable for its time, offering a counterpoint to traditional narratives.