Multiple times in this chapter, Parvana encounters issues of social justice, although I’m sure in her mind, it is not quite as clearly defined. In each of these instances I felt anger about the way that the individuals were treated and have a burning desire to help real life individuals in similar situations.
While in the market, Parvana comes across a girl with a baby who seems frightened to be approached by Parvana. We quickly realize that this is because of the man she is with who clearly agrees with the beliefs of the Taliban that women should have no place in society and most certainly not in education. “Parvana watched them go, wishing she could snatch the girl away from the old man and stick her in a classroom.” (143). This is how I feel about all girls around the world who are forced into marriages at young ages or forced to stay in their homes rather than receive an education! This infuriates me thinking that in so many places in our world this is a reality!
We see this girl again at the end of chapter 21 as her uncle/husband comes to the school threatening to take Hassan if his wife is not returned. In an attempt for her own safety, this girl, Kinnah, threatens to burn herself and her baby if Parvana and Asif refuse to allow to her to stay at the school. In another act of selfless love, Parvana allows Kinnah to stay, putting herself, Hassan, and the school as a whole in extreme danger.
This section of chapters also evoked extreme sadness for me. Multiple times throughout these chapters, Parvana comments on how hopeless her life feels. In chapter 16, while trying to think of something to write to the crying soldier, Ellis writes “It was hard to write a hopeful message because Parvana didn’t have any more hope, To have hope would mean that she could see a future that could be brighter than the present.” (131). And in chapter 20, while waiting for her mother to return Parvana thinks “she could not remember a time when she didn’t not believe she was on the edge of a disaster. Her life had gone from battle to battle, and she was never ever sure that the future would not be terrifying.” (159) In each of these cases what came to my mind was “what an awful way to live!” It made me extremely sad to think of the number of children in the world for whom this is a reality. It also made me wonder what I can do about it. Ellis has done her part in bringing these issues to light through her books. In what ways can I help these children? How can I keep young girls from becoming wives and mothers by force? How can I ensure that children, of all genders, have the right and access to education?
I feel frustrated and discouraged.