Looking for a Father

        When Baba is first introduced to the reader, he is described as an independent, strong and respectable man. Amir looks up to him with both admiration and fear; he is continually trying to get his attention. Most of the time, Baba simply cannot be bothered to listen to what Amir is saying. In the 'smoke room', he often dismisses Amir and explains it is "grown-up's time". Amir wonders why there never seems to be a time other than grown up time.
        As the story progresses, the complexities of their relationship begin to develop. Amir believes his father hates him because he is the reason for his mother's death in labor. Amir also reprimands himself for not living up to his father's expectations. He loves to read and write, but Baba rebukes these activities as not fit for a real man. Amir feels overshadowed by Hassan, the son of a servant, who has grown up with him like a brother.
        Hassan seems to possess every quality Baba values; he is strong, loyal, and intelligent. Amir writes that he once saw his father put his arm around Hassan after he achieved nine skips with a rock. Amir could only reach five.
        As a result, Rahim, Baba's business partner, has become a second father to Amir. At the start of the novel, Amir mentions that in a family photo where Baba holds him in his arms, he is grabbing Rahim's finger instead of his father's. Rahim provides Amir with what he needs: genuine attention and love. Baba is harsh with Amir and does not go through the trouble of feigning much interest in him.
        At one point, Amir overhears a conversation between Baba and Rahim where Baba whispers that had he not seen his wife give birth to Amir, he would never believe he was his son. This causes Amir unimaginable pain.
        Amir vomits from the guilt he feels when he wishes Rahim were his father. He wants more than anything to have a relationship with Baba, but he feels rejected and abandoned. Without a mother or father to show him compassion, Amir feels lost in the world.

There is a fantastic short film called "Buzkashi Boys" which is set in Afghanistan. It was nominated for an Oscar last year, and it's a beautiful story. Here's a link to the trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm8CTM12HyY