Amir and Soraya: Marriage Built on Honesty and Support

The development of Amir and Soraya's relationship, from courtship to marriage, and their mutual support through infertility and adoption.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Courtship

The Courtship The First Meeting Amir meets Soraya at the San Jose flea market. He is immediately smitten. He finds excuses to walk past her booth. They begin talking, and he gives her one of his stories. The Honesty Before their engagement, Soraya tells Amir about her past. She is honest about running away with a man. Amir accepts her without judgment. He admires her courage. The Marriage They marry in a traditional Afghan ceremony. Soraya cares for Baba in his final months. She supports Amir's writing career. Their marriage is a partnership based on mutual respect.

The Support Through Adversity

The Support Through Adversity The Infertility Soraya and Amir struggle with infertility. They undergo treatments that fail. Soraya feels the pressure, but Amir supports her. They consider adoption. The Adoption When Amir decides to adopt Sohrab, Soraya is immediately supportive. She says, "He's your qaom, so he's my qaom too." She prepares a room for him and welcomes him into their home. The Healing Soraya becomes a mother figure to Sohrab. She helps him adjust to life in America. The bond between them grows. The marriage is strengthened by their shared commitment to the boy.

summer 1984 to summer 1985

1989 to 2001