Born Under A Million Shadows Character Analysis

What happens when two very diverse cultures interact with each other? This question is answered with utmost simplicity in the novel, “Born under a Million Shadows”, by Andrea Busfield, through the innocent eyes of an eleven year old boy, Fawad. The novel is set in Afghanistan and brings out the reality of the country and the fate of its citizens using the themes of violence, satire and unconditional love. Claiming to be “born under the shadow of the Taliban”, Fawad experiences many hardships in his few years of existence. The first chapter, itself, was enough to familiarize the readers with Fawad’s struggles and his approach to cope with them. After the death of his two brothers and his father, as well as the abduction of his sister, Fawad’s

The Afghan society comprises of mostly poor people, dominated by a small percentage of rich and powerful ones. “With 36% of its population living below the poverty line” (The Borgen Project), the gap between the rich and poor seems to be ever- increasing. This unstable and erratic condition of Afghanistan is taking advantage of by opportunists as they “only come to Afghanistan to help themselves get rich, or richer” (Busfield 35). Although, all of Afghanistan aches during this unfortunate time, people like Fawad are given a greater share of sorrow. The extent of Fawad’s sufferings is shown when the author makes a reference to Wazir Akbar Khan District, the home to The Kite Runner’s main character, Amir. “We aren’t rich like those in Wazir Akbar Khan District, Fawad” (Busfield 6), says Fawad’s mother. In The Kite Runner, Amir is shown to face the brutality of life in Afghanistan. However, Amir’s sufferings are overshadowed by Fawad’s, who, not only lost most of his family, but also continues to face the harsh reality of poverty. Despite being constantly reminded of his insignificant status in society, Fawad overcomes his struggles by standing up for what he believes is right. He helps make the seemingly impossible love life of Haji Khan and Georgie, possible. He also finds a job for Jamilla, a poor ill-fated girl like him, at the expense of his own