Bekim

Bekim is a complicated character. As a young boy, he had severe nightmares about snakes that lasted several months. His parents were so affected by his screaming that they took him to a psychologist and then an imam who specialized in exorcisms. The psychologist helped Bekim work through his fear of snakes, and cats, by having him learn everything he could about the animals. The exorcist did something to Bekim that made his nightmares disappear, though what this is is never addressed.

Bekim's relationship with his father is dysfunctional. Bajran was abusive and cruel throughout most of Bekim's childhood. They got into fights and Bajran hit Bekim frequently. Bajran threatened Bekim with religion, and wanted him to go back to Yugoslavia and do something practical. Bekim considered himself Finnish, and wanted to study literature. Their conflicting stances led to a final blow out in which Bajran hit Bekim...