Questions About The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

by Nadia Hashimi (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (15)

this story is so pervasive in the heart, forcing the tears to flow uncontrollably. many blessings that we should be thankful for the happiness that we have today, no matter how small it is, as far out there a lot of grief that is greater than what we experienced. Is this a fictional or real of the story?

Nadia This is a fictional story, but one inspired by the unfortunate realities of some girls in our world. Child "marriage" and domestic violence are global…moreThis is a fictional story, but one inspired by the unfortunate realities of some girls in our world. Child "marriage" and domestic violence are global issues. Afghanistan is a country where women and girls have suffered heavy losses as a result of the wars and instability. I am in full agreement that those of us who live in places of peace, having loving family around us and enjoy the opportunity for education should be thankful for these blessings. This was part of my motivation for writing this story. (less)

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What does the suffix "-jan" after madar and fadar mean?

Pegah jan (informal form is "joon") means dear in persian, and is used in persian more than "dear" is used in English language. It is rude to answer elders …morejan (informal form is "joon") means dear in persian, and is used in persian more than "dear" is used in English language. It is rude to answer elders in family only with their names, so you can add a -jan in the end to make it sound more respectful.(less)

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Looking for opinions on this book? thanks! Thinking of reading...

Connie I absolutely loved this book! Having read autobiographies written by women from Afghanistan, I found the novel to be very realistic. Rahima, the middl…moreI absolutely loved this book! Having read autobiographies written by women from Afghanistan, I found the novel to be very realistic. Rahima, the middle child, is selected to be the bacha posh in her family, probably because of her age and spunk. As such, she receives the education and treatment of a boy, only to have to adjust to life as a woman in Afghanistan when she is married at the age of thirteen. Her experience of having been treated as a boy, with the education and privileges that go with it in such a country, is both a benefit to her and a handicap (because she wasn't trained like a woman to perform household duties). Shekiba, her ancestor who lived during the early 20th Century, when Afghanistan was moving toward modernization, was also a bacha posh. If you do read it, check out the book club questions at http://nadiahashimi.com/book-club/. The author also has some excellent links on her website there.(less)

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WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BOOK'S TITLE?

Skrivelisa I think it's about inner strength and belief in oneself as a human being. Breaking out of something that's not good for you.
…moreI think it's about inner strength and belief in oneself as a human being. Breaking out of something that's not good for you.
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Would this book be appropriate for a young high school student?

Emmie Stille Yes it would. Although there are scenes they never go into detail (at all) and the content is mature but it would be plenty appropriate for a young hi…moreYes it would. Although there are scenes they never go into detail (at all) and the content is mature but it would be plenty appropriate for a young high school student to read. My 13 year old daughter read this book and loved it. It's a sad book but a well writen one. (less)

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