Author: Nadia Hashimi
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pages: 452
Date Started: 20 September 2022
Date Finished: 13 October 2022
Nadia Hashimi's "The Pearl That Broke Its Shell" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that weaves together the stories of Shekiba and Rahima, two Afghan women from different generations who both experience the tradition of "bacha posh," a practice where a girl is dressed and raised as a boy when a family lacks sons. The narrative offers a powerful exploration of the challenges and resilience faced by Afghan women and the constraints imposed upon them by their society.
Both Shekiba and Rahima are compelling characters, each navigating the complex realities of their times and standing as symbols of strength in the face of adversity. Rahima's courage in confronting societal norms and fighting for her own voice is a testament to the enduring spirit of Afghan women. The emotional roller coaster experienced throughout the story is a testament to the author's ability to connect readers with the characters and the harsh world they inhabit.
The storytelling, which alternates between the past and present, provides a rich and multi-layered reading experience. The struggles and triumphs depicted in the narrative are poignant and timely, shining a light on the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan. Hashimi's narrative style keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested in the story, despite moments where the plot may feel a bit looser.
"The Pearl That Broke Its Shell" serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of women around the world, highlighting the fight for basic rights and survival. The impact of war and societal norms on women is a central theme, and the novel succeeds in shedding light on these important issues.
Overall, Nadia Hashimi's book is a powerful and emotionally resonant read that offers insight into the lives of Afghan women. It serves as a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of women in Afghanistan and beyond.
Favorite lines from the book:
You're a fool to think these girls are better off rotting in this home instead of learning something in school.
Madar-jan must have died looking at the face of God, Shekiba thought. Nothing else could have brought the look of peace so quickly.
Why would Amrika be so upset after just one building was attacked? Half of our country had crumbled under Taliban. We are all thinking the same thing. If only Amrika would have been upset about that too.
That is the problem with gifts, Madar-jan, they are always given away.
People in our neighborhood weren’t starving but we all thought twice before throwing a scrap to a stray dog.
Once married, girls no longer belonged to the families that raised them.
I faintly remember her praying over me, mumbling something about my not having the same fate as her uncle's wives. I wonder if it was her prayers that protected me.
Tell me this, how do you know what your naseeb is?
The dress, the husband, the mother-in-law, I wishes I could toss them all aside.
Naseeb. Was it really Jahangir’s destiny to be taken so young? Was it my naseeb never to see my son grow taller than me, to go to school, to help his father at work?
I could hear them from down the hall and prayed along with them, hoping it did Jahangir some good. It did me none.
Even a newborn can tell she is not wanted.
I may have killed one of Abdul Khaliq’s children. But he had just killed another.
But sometimes you have to act out of line, I suppose. Sometimes you have to take a chance if you want something badly enough.
This life is difficult. We lose fathers, brothers, mothers, songbirds and pieces of ourselves. Whips strike the innocent, honors go to the guilty, and there is too much loneliness. I would be a fool to pray for my children to escape all of that. Ask for too much and it might actually turn out worse. But I can pray for small things, like fertile fields, a mother’s love, a child’s smile—a life that’s less bitter than sweet.
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