Kaylee's Fourth Reaction

            In the next installment, many things occur that change the course of the book entirely. After Hassan is accused of stealing Amir’s watch, Ali and Hassan decide to leave Baba and Ami. It is truly heartbreaking to see them leave after all they have been through together. They are like family. Baba tries whatever he can to get them to stay, but Ali has made his decision. Amir is sure he knows of the incident with Hassan and that Hassan knows Amir knows. :( I understand why Ali chose to take Hassan, after learning of such a traumatic event. They needed to get away from Amir and the dreadful memories, sacrificing their home with Baba. The pain and emotion conveyed in this scene brought me to tears. Amir comes to complete acceptance to what he did and recognizes himself as a liar, a cheat and  a thief, all of which he is. Amir pisses me off at this moment because he knows that he should speak up, come clean, apologize and try to reconcile their “family”, yet he doesn’t. He knows it is the right thing to do, but just watches as they go.

            After the departure of Hassan and Ali, the novel skips to when Amir is 18 and being smuggled out of Kabul. On Amir and Baba’s way to Pakistan, Amir’s weakness is still evident even as a young man. He still is physically unstable and psychologically insecure of Baba’s love. An element of jealousy of his father is also clear when he becomes angry as Baba stands up to the soldier, claiming Baba’s always has to be the hero. At this point in the story, Amir is the complete opposite of his father.  Components of honor and respect are reoccurring as Amir and Baba make their way to America. Most people that encounter Baba believe him to be a man of greatness and honor because he is. Baba is an ideal father figure. He is strong, kind, and supportive, but tough when he needs to be. At times he reminds me of a giant teddy bear.

Once Amir and Baba finally make it to America, their life has been transformed altogether. Within a couple of months, they go from having everything to having to start from scratch. Hossenini emphasizes this contrast with the time skip from chapter nine to ten to eleven. Their trip to America is symbolic to both Amir and Baba. To Amir, America is a new opportunity to leave the life he regretted so much in the past, starting from a clear slate and following his dream to become a writer. To Baba, America is a sacrifice for Amir. He had the perfect life back in Kabul surrounded by family, friends and fitting job, but he chooses to leave it behind to pursue a better life for Amir. A truly selfless act. At the end of this installment, Amir and Baba’s relationship has developed into a loving and supportive father-son bond. Baba has become more accepting to who his son is and who he is becoming.  Amir has also grown as a person and is becoming a man.

P.s. Amir and Soraya Taheri are going to get it on.