Baba's Life in America and His Decline

Follows Baba's struggle to adapt to life in Fremont, his work at the gas station, and his eventual death from cancer.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Arrival in Fremont

Arrival in Fremont The New World Baba and Amir arrive in Fremont, California, after fleeing Afghanistan. Baba, once a wealthy and respected merchant in Kabul, now works as an assistant at a gas station. He struggles with the indignity of manual labor and the loss of his status. He hates the smog, the traffic, and the American food. He misses the gardens of Paghman and the bustling bazaars of Kabul. The Clash with American Culture Baba's pride often leads to conflict. He refuses food stamps, insisting on working for his money. He gets into a fight with the elderly Vietnamese owners of a grocery store when they ask for his ID to cash a check. He rails against Jimmy Carter and praises Ronald Reagan. He is a lone Republican in a blue-collar neighborhood, a man out of time and place. The Flea Market To supplement their income, Baba buys a dilapidated VW bus and starts selling used goods at the San Jose flea market. There, he reconnects with other Afghan refugees. The flea market becomes a social hub where they gossip, drink tea, and mourn the loss of their homeland. Baba finds some solace in these gatherings, but he never fully adjusts to American life.

Baba's Cancer Diagnosis

Baba's Cancer Diagnosis The Symptoms Baba develops a persistent cough that he ignores. He loses weight and becomes fatigued. Amir finally forces him to see a doctor. After a series of tests, they learn that Baba has advanced oat cell carcinoma. The cancer is inoperable. The doctor offers palliative chemotherapy, but Baba refuses. The Refusal of Treatment Baba's decision is consistent with his character. He will not allow himself to be weakened by treatment. He wants to die on his own terms. Amir pleads with him, but Baba is adamant. He tells Amir, "You're twenty-two years old, Amir! A grown man!" He has taught Amir to be self-reliant, and now he must face his death alone. The Final Months Baba continues to work at the gas station and the flea market as long as he can. He grows weaker, but he refuses to show it. He hides his pain from others. Eventually, he becomes bedridden. Soraya, now Amir's wife, cares for him. He dies peacefully in his sleep one night, just after telling Soraya there is no pain. His death leaves Amir feeling lost but also relieved that Baba's suffering is over.

March 1981

summer of 1985