Mariam and Laila are two women from different generations and social backgrounds whose lives collide in Kabul during decades of political upheaval. Mariam is an illegitimate child forced into a marriage with Rasheed, a shoemaker who becomes increasingly abusive. Years later, Laila, a younger woman seeking refuge after her family dies in a rocket strike, joins the household as Rasheed’s second wife. The story documents their transition from rivals to allies as they endure the restrictions of the Taliban regime, domestic violence, and the daily threat of war. Their bond serves as a survival mechanism against a patriarchal legal system and the physical destruction of their city from the Soviet invasion through the rise of extremist groups.
This book serves readers interested in the socio-political history of Afghanistan and the specific legal struggles women face under fundamentalist rule. It appeals to those seeking a narrative about the endurance of human connections amidst systemic oppression. Readers finish the volume with a detailed understanding of how regional conflict reshapes domestic life and the specific sacrifices required to protect the next generation in a zone of persistent military instability.
Inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2018
- Language
- EN
