The Pearl That Broke Its Shell By Nadia Hashimi

Hashimi, Nadia, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, New York: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2015.

This novel present stories of two amazing women (Shekiba and Rahima) told in two different interwoven plots and set a century apart. It takes place in the Afghanistan of the early 20th century and the present. The women share a common heritage, Rahima is Shekiba's great granddaughter, as well as the same dreams and battles: their freedom. Shekiba who suffers a deforming injury as well as an orphan becomes a guard in the king's harem. Cornered and desperate, she uses both her wits and her physical strength to survive in a place and time when many women would simply vanished. The other plot is about Rahima who is born to a father fighting for a local warlord. Rahima was soon be betrothed to a warlord. Her life, already hard, becomes nearly unbearable in the warlord's tumultuous household. But, she remembers the words of wisdom that once were told to her "everyone must have an escape" and patiently works for the chance to free herself. It is beautifully written in lyrical and moving tone. The two remarkable characters captivate with their bravery and intelligence. This compelling story also reveals how little Afghani society has changed in the treatment of women.

More about the author and her new novels from Fantastic Fiction.

Watch the clip below of the author, Nadia Hashimi introduces the novel and learn more about her thought.