The Breadwinner By Deborah Ellis True and False
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Questions and Answers

Parvana was not supposed to be outside at all according to Taliban's orders.

True

Parvana's mother was still allowed to work at a Kabul radio station.

False

Parvana's sister Nooria was allowed to go to her high school.

False

Parvana had to leave her sixth grade class due to Taliban's orders.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's life in Kabul has been marked by constant bombing and conflict.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban, who mean 'religious scholars,' have taken control of much of the country.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father believes religion is about kindness, but he thinks the Taliban are not making Afghanistan a kinder place.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Despite fewer bombs, there is still a war in the north and many destroyed buildings in Kabul.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and her father sell their belongings to survive, including a false leg that was sold to a customer for a high price.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Street conditions make it difficult for women in burqas to navigate, but Parvana's favorite mountain remains a source of comfort and nostalgia.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and her father live in a damaged apartment building, with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and sister often ask her to fetch water, which is a heavy burden due to the stairs and the size of the family.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family's interactions are characterized by a sense of struggle and survival, with a strong sense of love and connection.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The father's stories of old Kabul and the family's laughter serve as a reminder of happier times and a source of hope.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana, her mother, and younger siblings had a traditional Afghan meal, eating on a plastic cloth spread out on the floor.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Father was a history teacher before his school was bombed.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A tiny girl in a historical battle led the Afghan troops to victory, demonstrating the courage of Afghan women.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban unexpectedly entered the family home, causing fear and panic among the family members.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The soldiers accused Father of having 'foreign ideas' from his education in England.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family huddled together in fear as the Taliban took Father away, with Mother shielding her children.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria shared stories about Hossain, who was amicable and enjoyed playing games with her, despite her gender.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family had a joyful time playing games and sharing stories together before the Taliban's arrival.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Afghan meal was eaten at a dining table with chairs.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban entered the family home with prior notice and permission.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The soldiers accused Father of being a former member of the Taliban.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family members were calm and composed during the Taliban's unexpected visit.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was one of the few literate people in her community and wished she could attend school.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had been displaced several times due to bombings and had lived in a small room in a single residence for some time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A man had lost part of his leg and was injured in a bombing at a high school where he taught.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mail delivery had recently resumed in Afghanistan after years of being disrupted by war.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban had ruled Afghanistan for a while and forbidden girls from attending school.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana, a girl, was sitting with her father in a marketplace and helping him read letters for customers.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The marketplace was a quiet place where only women shopped.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

There had been a long-lasting war in Afghanistan, starting before Parvana was born, and resulting in the loss of their family's possessions and larger living quarters.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana helped her father read a letter for a customer who wanted to forget its contents.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The marketplace was a busy place where men shopped and various goods and services were sold.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had never been displaced and had always lived in a large house.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana wished she could attend school but was forbidden by her family.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana had thick, beautiful hair like her sister Nooria.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was responsible for fetching water despite her resentment.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family had many belongings after the destruction of their previous houses.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban discouraged neighbors from spying on each other.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and sister had many activities to do besides cleaning.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother sold their valuable shalwar kameez without considering Parvana's objections.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had a son named Hossain who died in a land mine explosion.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's sister Nooria was younger and contributed to the household chores.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana often felt lonely due to their isolated lifestyle and lack of social interaction.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Nooria lived in a large house with their mother and sister Maryam.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had a son named Hossain who died in a car accident.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and sister had many other activities and were not limited to cleaning.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was allowed to walk in the streets without being fully covered according to Taliban's orders.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was hit by a Talib but didn't feel it because she was so angry.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had to sell their belongings to survive.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana knocked over a pile of turnips while running away from the Talib.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana sets up a letter-reading business in the market using her father's pens, writing paper, and her fancy shalwar kameez.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana is instructed to introduce herself as her father's niece Kaseem if asked.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana faces difficulty in the first hour of business as men in the market ignore her, making her feel vulnerable.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban soldier demands that Parvana reads a letter from his deceased wife.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban soldier is moved to tears upon reading the letter from his deceased wife.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana offers to write a reply to the Taliban soldier's letter.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban soldier declines Parvana's offer to write a reply.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana reflects on the Taliban soldier's human emotion, wondering if they could have feelings beyond being oppressors.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's reflection leads her to believe that the Taliban soldiers are incapable of feeling emotions.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana returns home for lunch, reflecting on the day's events and the complexity of human emotions.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father joins her for lunch, and they discuss the events of the day.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's letter-reading business is successful, and she earns a significant amount of money.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana felt scared when she realized she had forgotten to cover her face with a chador while outside as a boy.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother was pleased with her successful shopping trip.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's sister, Nooria, encouraged her to continue wearing her father's clothes even inside the house.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ali, Parvana's sibling, was crying and seeking attention from their mother.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother found it difficult to look at her after she returned from the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother asked her to take her father's writing materials and blanket to the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was excited about the idea of going to the marketplace to earn money.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana felt light-headed and free as she walked to the marketplace without her hair or chador.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father's shoulder bag was heavy and uncomfortable as she walked to the marketplace.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana hoped to never have to do housework again if she could earn money at the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's successful shopping trip made her feel confident about her ability to handle herself in the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's head felt lighter without the weight of her hair or chador as she walked to the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family decided to turn her into a boy so that she could move around the market without being stopped by the Taliban.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was happy and willing to cut her hair to look like a boy.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria, Parvana's sister, was the one who cut Parvana's hair to make her look like a boy.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's new haircut made her feel like a different person, and she liked her new look.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother sold their valuable shalwar kameez without considering Parvana's objections.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and Mrs. Weera made the decision to turn Parvana into a boy without consulting her.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's new appearance made her feel more confident and ready to take on the role of a boy.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family was very supportive and understanding of her feelings and concerns about the drastic change in her appearance.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's sister Nooria was envious of her new look and wished she could have the same haircut.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's decision to disguise herself as a boy was met with reluctance and disapproval from her family.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's new appearance made her feel more vulnerable and exposed in the unfamiliar role of a boy.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and Mrs. Weera believed that turning her into a boy was the only viable solution for their family's survival.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Weera was a physical education teacher before the Taliban made her leave her job.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother sold their valuable shalwar kameez without considering Parvana's objections.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had a joyful time playing games and sharing stories together before the Taliban's arrival.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother and sister had many other activities and were not limited to cleaning.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's sister Nooria was allowed to go to her high school.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban unexpectedly entered the family home, causing fear and panic among the family members.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had been displaced several times due to bombings and had lived in a small room in a single residence for some time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had never been displaced and had always lived in a large house.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and her father sell their belongings to survive, including a false leg that was sold to a customer for a high price.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and her father live in a damaged apartment building, with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana had to leave her sixth grade class due to Taliban's orders.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban discouraged neighbors from spying on each other.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia plan to work together to make more money in the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father is coming back according to Parvana's belief.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia plan to sell items off a tray in the marketplace.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia have enough money to buy a tray and items to sell in the marketplace.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia dug up bones in the cemetery to sell to a bone broker.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia found a skull in the cemetery and used it as their mascot.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was worried about landmines when she went to the bathroom.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia reminded Parvana of her brother who had been killed by a landmine.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The girls were focused on making money and ensuring they were not disturbed while digging up bones.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia worked quickly to unearth bones that were easily accessible due to the bombings.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia's decision to dig up bones was met with reluctance and disapproval from their families.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia joked about landmines and the dangers they faced while working in the cemetery.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana had to step inside a nearby ruined building due to a bathroom emergency and successfully avoided any danger.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The bone broker bought bones from Parvana and Shauzia for resale.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The girls made bundles of bones to sell to the bone broker.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The girls discovered a skull in the cemetery, which they used as their mascot.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia laugh at the idea of a secret field hockey school in their apartment.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Weera shares her plans to smuggle stories about girls out of the country for publication.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria, a friend, expresses interest in teaching at the secret school.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana receives a handkerchief from the Window Woman, and Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana expresses concern about bone-digging but follows Shauzia to the site.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia shares her struggling home life, living with in-laws.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana invites Shauzia to meet her family.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Weera proposes starting a secret school for girls to learn.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia discuss the possibility of starting a business.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia, old classmates, walk and reminisce about school days.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia laugh at the idea of a secret field hockey school in their apartment.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Weera, Parvana's mother, expresses concern for Shauzia's education.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother was supportive of her decision to ask if their father would be taken to the stadium.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's days at home were spent coaching Maryam, learning mending from Nooria, and listening to Mrs. Weera's stories.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana did not receive any criticism from her family when the bread ran out.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia earn more money selling goods in the markets of Kabul than they did in the graveyard.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The stadium where Parvana and Shauzia decide to sell their goods turns out to be filled with Taliban soldiers executing prisoners.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia witness the Taliban soldiers executing prisoners by amputating their hands in the stadium.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family is very supportive and understanding of her feelings and concerns about the drastic change in her appearance.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana takes a few days off to be with her family and recover from the traumatic experience at the stadium.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia have learned to navigate Kabul and its people during their time selling goods in the markets.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text provides a vivid depiction of the peaceful and prosperous conditions in Kabul under the Taliban regime.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's reflection leads her to believe that the Taliban soldiers are incapable of feeling emotions.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had never been displaced and had always lived in a large house.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's successful shopping trip made her feel confident about her ability to handle herself in the marketplace.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban had ruled Afghanistan for a while and forbidden girls from attending school.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia decide to dig up bones in the cemetery to sell to a bone broker.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia and Parvana decided to keep all the money they earned from selling bones for themselves instead of giving it all to their families.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The money earned from selling bones was more than what Parvana made in three days last week.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana hid the money she kept for herself in the bottom of her shoulder bag.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother was shocked and planned to stop Parvana from digging up graves and earning money.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria supported Parvana and argued for her to continue digging up graves, as the family was in need of money for rent, propane, and fuel.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mother eventually agreed to let Parvana continue digging up graves, under the condition she would share the details with the community through the magazine.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had been displaced several times due to bombings and had lived in a small room in a single residence for some time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban discouraged neighbors from spying on each other.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Nooria lived in a large house with their mother and sister Maryam.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had never been displaced and had always lived in a large house.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family had to sell their belongings to survive.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana had to leave her sixth grade class due to Taliban's orders.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family decides to leave her behind when they go to Mazar-e-Sharif for her sister's wedding

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria's family will financially support her education and send her to university

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia suggests that someone should drop a bomb on the country to start again

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria assures Parvana that everything will be fine after she moves to Mazar-e-Sharif

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria's family is not well-educated and will not support her education financially

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana is happy about staying in Kabul while her family goes to Mazar-e-Sharif

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family will be accompanied by a woman from their women's group and her husband as the official escort to Mazar-e-Sharif

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana receives small gifts from a woman named Window Woman through her blanket at the market

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana hears a disturbance coming from above her and is given a letter by a man

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria is getting married and will be moving to Mazar-e-Sharif where girls can still go to school

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family is leaving for Mazar-e-Sharif for the wedding, but they decide to take Parvana with them

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia shares her dissatisfaction with life and suggests that someone should drop a bomb on the country to start again

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's sister Nooria was the teacher at the secret school for girls.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The secret school for girls held only five students, including Maryam.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria was allowed to leave her younger brother Ali at home to get a break from him.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Taliban would close down any school they discovered, so the secret school had to be careful and held classes for only a few hours a week.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and her family left Taliban territory with only a few people in the truck, including Mrs. Weera and a women's group member.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana spent more time with Shauzia and began to read her father's books during her free time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana met a woman named Kaseem who was pretending to be a boy to earn money and offered to help her by introducing her to Mrs. Weera.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana returned home and discovered that Kaseem was a girl without a burqa, and she helped her hide from potential trouble.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana got caught in a rainstorm and waited in a bombed-out building until it passed.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father's stories of old Kabul and the family's laughter serve as a reminder of happier times and a source of hope.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and Shauzia witnessed the Taliban soldiers executing prisoners by amputating their hands in the stadium.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother was supportive of her decision to ask if their father would be taken to the stadium.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's family decided to turn her into a boy so that she could move around the market without being stopped by the Taliban.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nooria was allowed to go to her high school.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's new appearance made her feel more confident and ready to take on the role of a boy.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana, a girl, was sitting with her father in a marketplace and helping him read letters for customers.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana finds Homa in a building and tries to comfort her, but Homa is inconsolable.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Weera encourages Parvana not to give up hope that her family is alive.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Two days later, Shauzia convinces Parvana to come back to work in the market.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homa hides in a closet and stays there for a long time, believing they will come back for her.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homa recounts her experience of soldiers coming to her house, taking her father, brother, and mother outside, and shooting them in the street.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

When she leaves the closet, she finds bodies of her family and others on the street and is forbidden to move or cover them.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homa runs from building to building, avoiding soldiers and wild dogs, and eventually finds a truck to hide in.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

She travels for a long time in the truck and eventually arrives in Kabul.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father is released from prison, reunited with the family, and requires extensive care from Mrs. Weera.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homa's family members were taken outside and shot by soldiers.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's father required extensive care from Mrs. Weera.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shauzia convinced Parvana to come back to work in the market.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana and the frightened woman were waiting in a building for it to get dark to return to Parvana's place together.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana wanted to let Mrs. Weera know where she was, but the woman did not want to be left alone.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana shared her dried fruit and nuts with the woman to help them think.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

They decided to wait until it was very dark to leave and head back to Parvana's place together.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana remembered Kabul as a city of lights, progress, and excitement before curfews and conflict.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

They made their way through the dark streets, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves, and almost encountered Taliban soldiers.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homa, the woman, revealed her name and shared that she had escaped from Mazar-e-Sharif after the Taliban captured the city, causing Parvana concern for her family there.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's new appearance made her feel more vulnerable and exposed in the unfamiliar role of a boy.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's days at home were spent coaching Maryam, learning mending from Nooria, and listening to Mrs. Weera's stories.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family members were calm and composed during the Taliban's unexpected visit.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana's mother asked her to take her father's writing materials and blanket to the marketplace.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parvana was one of the few literate people in her community and wished she could attend school.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

  • Nooria, with her beautiful long hair, and Parvana, with thin, stringy hair, lived in a small room with their mother and sister Maryam.

  • Parvana was the one responsible for fetching water despite her resentment and sometimes pride in doing so.

  • The family had very few belongings after the destruction of their previous houses and looting of their possessions.

  • The Taliban encouraged neighbors to spy on each other, making it safer for the family to keep to themselves.

  • Parvana's mother and sister were always cleaning and had few other activities, as women were not allowed to work or go to school.

  • Parvana's mother sold some of their belongings, including a valuable shalwar kameez, for cash with little regard for Parvana's objections.

  • Parvana's family had lost a son, Hossain, in a land mine explosion when he was 14. His death was a source of sadness for the family, and they rarely spoke of him.

  • Parvana's sister Nooria had a superior attitude despite being younger and not contributing to the household chores.

  • Parvana often felt lonely due to their isolated lifestyle and lack of social interaction.

  • Parvana, an Afghan girl, sets up a letter-reading business in the market using her father's pens, writing paper, and her fancy shalwar kameez.

  • She chooses a spot next to a wall, hidden from view, as her father had done, to avoid being recognized as her father's daughter.

  • Parvana is instructed to introduce herself as her father's nephew Kaseem if asked.

  • Parvana faces difficulty in the first hour of business as men in the market ignore her, making her feel vulnerable.

  • A Taliban soldier approaches Parvana, suspecting her to be a letter reader, and demands that she read a letter.

  • The letter is from the Taliban soldier's deceased wife in Germany, expressing her love and wishes for her niece's future.

  • The Taliban soldier is moved to tears upon reading the letter and shares that his wife is dead, wanting to know the contents of the letter.

  • Parvana offers to write a reply but the Taliban soldier declines, pays her for her services and leaves.

  • Parvana reflects on the Taliban soldier's human emotion, wondering if they could have feelings beyond being oppressors.

  • She returns home for lunch, reflecting on the day's events and the complexity of human emotions.

  • Shauzia and Parvana sell bones from a graveyard to a bone broker for a significant amount of money.

  • They were afraid the bone broker might have made a mistake and given them too much money.

  • The money earned was more than what Parvana made in three days last week.

  • Parvana and Shauzia decided to keep some money for themselves instead of giving it all to their families.

  • They planned to meet early the next morning for another day of bone digging.

  • Parvana hid the money she kept for herself in the bottom of her shoulder bag.

  • When Parvana returned home, she was met with worry from her family who thought she had been arrested.

  • Parvana told her family about digging up graves and earning money from it.

  • Her mother was shocked and planned to stop Parvana from doing it.

  • Nooria supported Parvana and argued for her to continue, as the family was in need of money for rent, propane, and fuel.

  • Mother eventually agreed to let Parvana continue, under the condition she would share the details with the community through the magazine.

  • Parvana and a frightened woman were waiting in a building for it to get dark to return to Parvana's place together.

  • Parvana wanted to let Mrs. Weera know where she was, but the woman did not want to be left alone.

  • Parvana shared her dried fruit and nuts with the woman to help them think.

  • They decided to wait until it was very dark to leave and head back to Parvana's place together.

  • The woman did not have a chador, and Parvana did not have her pattu as it was summer.

  • Parvana remembered Kabul as a city of lights, progress, and excitement before curfews and conflict.

  • They made their way through the dark streets, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves, and almost encountered Taliban soldiers.

  • They reached Parvana's street and ran to her home, where Mrs. Weera welcomed them and provided them with warm water, clean clothes, and food.

  • Homa, the woman, revealed her name and shared that she had escaped from Mazar-e-Sharif after the Taliban captured the city, causing Parvana concern for her family there.

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