This short novel looks at life in Afghanistan just after the fall of the Taliban. When Jameela’s devout mother dies, her father—who has always strayed from the rules, dabbling in opium, skipping his prayers—abruptly moves them from the country to Kabul, where he lives a more Westernized lifestyle (alcohol included) and has little patience—especialy after his new wife complains—for a daughter who is unattractive, devout and a bit too good to be true. So he abandons Jameela at an orphanage. Khan’s tale was inspired by true events, and touches on many issues about women and beauty in an Afghanistan in the midst of chaos and change, but Jameela lacks depth: Her faith often stands in for character, and even when she questions, she merely questions why she can’t be better. Secondary characters sometimes behave according to plot needs rather than character, and the passage of time and other minor details are often unclear. Despite the flaws, this fills a niche and does so with respect for the people and places described—and with sometimes downright lovely language. (author’s note, glossary) (Fiction. 10-14)
