Characters
This is the word Nana uses to describe Mariam, meaning “illegitimate child.”
What is a harami?
This is the house that Mariam grows up in.
What is a kolba or mud shack?
Rasheed forces Mariam to chew these when dinner displeases him.
What are pebbles/stones?
The event that leads to Nana’s death.
What is Mariam running away to see Jalil?
The item Rasheed gifts Laila early in their romantic relationship.
What is jewelry/wedding ring?
Although she first resents Laila, this character ultimately lies to protect her during Rasheed’s interrogation after the failed escape.
Who is Mariam?
The country invaded by the Soviets during Laila’s childhood.
What is Afghanistan?
This is Laila’s main motivation for marrying Rasheed.
What is protecting her unborn child/Tariq's child?
The baby Laila has while being married to Rasheed.
Who is Aziza?
This item is used to cover women, and Rasheed supports both Laila and Mariam to wear this.
What is a burqa?
After Nana’s death, this person arranges Mariam’s marriage to Rasheed.
Who is Jalil?
The city that becomes increasingly destroyed by rocket attacks during Laila’s adolescence.
What is Kabul?
The event that forces Laila into vulnerability and leads to Rasheed proposing marriage.
What is the rocket attack that kills her parents?
The result of Mariam’s repeated pregnancies in her early marriage.
What are miscarriages?
What Laila steals from Rasheed
What is money?
This character loses his leg to a land mine but remains hopeful and devoted to Laila.
Who is Tariq?
At the beginning of Chapter 37, this extremist group rises to power, and they enforce strict laws on women.
Who are the Taliban?
The tactic Rasheed uses when he alternates between kindness and cruelty to destabilize the women.
What is manipulation/psychological abuse?
This person moves away with his family after conflict becomes too violent in Kabul.
Who is Tariq?
The food Mariam carefully prepares that often determines Rasheed’s mood.
What is rice?
This character’s grief over her sons’ deaths shapes her distant relationship with her daughter.
Who is Fariba?
The violent conflict among Mujahideen factions after the Soviets withdraw.
What is the Afghan Civil War?
This person rats out Mariam and Laila during their escape.
Who is Wakil?
The destination Mariam and Laila attempt to reach during their escape.
What is Pakistan?
The vehicle Mariam and Laila board during their failed escape.