The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

A Novel

De: Nadia Hashimi

Narrado por: Mozhan Navabi

Afghan-American Nadia Hashimi's literary debut novel is a searing tale of powerlessness, fate, and the freedom to control one's own fate that combines the cultural flavor and emotional resonance of the works of Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Lisa See.

In Kabul, 2007, with a drug-addicted father and no brothers, Rahima and her sisters can only sporadically attend school, and can rarely leave the house. Their only hope lies in the ancient custom of bacha posh, which allows young Rahima to dress and be treated as a boy until she is of marriageable age. As a son, she can attend school, go to the market, and chaperone her older sisters.

But Rahima is not the first in her family to adopt this unusual custom. A century earlier, her great-great grandmother, Shekiba, left orphaned by an epidemic, saved herself and built a new life the same way.

Crisscrossing in time, The Pearl the Broke Its Shell interweaves the tales of these two women separated by a century who share similar destinies. But what will happen once Rahima is of marriageable age? Will Shekiba always live as a man? And if Rahima cannot adapt to life as a bride, how will she survive?

Very well written and narrated

This is a captivating story about women’s life in Afghanistan. It is well written and exciting, but also a bit depressing due to how badly the women are constantly treated.

beautiful story

this was well written and well performed. I was captured by all the characters and I love any novel that allows me a glimpse at obscure parts of history.

Gratitude

Grateful to be an independant, educated woman. Heartbreaking to imagine how hard life can be. GBV is a subject that needs to be part of education, Mind boggling the absolute disrespect for your fellow human beings but in some cases it is just a norm because no one knows any better.

Incredible story, incredible narration

Devoured this book. Loved the story and the depth of the characters. Truly a work of art. Do yourself a favor and listen to it! You will not be disappointed.

I rarely read but I read this and listened to it twice now:)

This book is a must read. Between my sobs and my acknowledgment of my own privilege, I feel I’m a better person after understanding this story.