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Herat

The third largest city in Afghanistan, this is where Jalil lives in the novel.

Kabul

The largest city and the capital of Afghanistan, this is where Rasheed lives and runs a shoe-making business.

Shahr-e-Sohak

This location is where two enormous Buddhas have been carved into the cliffs of an ancient city. In the course of the narrative, these statues are destroyed by Islamists.

Pakistan

This country is where Laila and Tariq flee after the murder of Rasheed.

Kolba

This term used in the novel refers to a hut or primitive dwelling such as the one where Mariam is raised by her mother.

Pinocchio

This is the film that Mariam begs her father to take her to see at his movie theater on her fifteenth birthday.

Taliban

This Islamic fundamentalist political movement in Afghanistan formed a government, ruling from 1996 until 2001.

Sharia

This term from the novel refers to...

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This section contains 210 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample