The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi

Kristi chose the book and hosted the discussion. She made and served Afghani cuisine.

Author information

• Raised in NY and NJ. Parents lived in Afghanistan, had an arranged marriage and came to America in 1970.
• Comes from a large family who practiced Afghan traditions.
• Went to school to become a pediatrician.
• Has 4 children, pets.
• Wrote 2nd novel, When the Moon is Low in 2015.

Questions discussed

• Transformation - Bibi Shekiba and Rahima both were transformed into bocha posh (boys) to survive
• Bibi Shekiba gave courage/confidence to Rahima through her story of her life 
• Rahima's aunt - strong woman even though she had a deformity just like Shekiba did
• Opium addiction happens after only a few weeks of use
• The mother-in-laws for both women were nasty people. Rahima's MIL was treated the same way she was treating Rahima. Vicious cycle!
• Naseeb - discussion on belief of whether one can change their "destiny" or is it predetermined and not able to be changed?? Rahima seemed to accept her naseeb until a death occurred. Her eyes were opened and she looked for an escape. Her being able to read became essential later in the story.
• Shekiba - tried to reclaim her family land.
• Other wives - wife order is important. Shekiba was only married to have sons. Rahima was so young to be married but was wanted for some reason. That meant that her older sisters had to be married also.
• Ending - many members felt that there was hope. The new Queen gave Shekiba hope and Rahima took actions that gave her hope.
• Shekiba - name means "gift" - she was the one always being "gifted" to others. Her story/life was a gift for her great, great, great granddaughter, Rahima. She was inspirational in that she kept surviving. 

Author's website: http://nadiahashimi.com/