Noor Riaz

Noor is a smart, sensible young woman who wants to be a doctor. She has to keep this ambition secret from her uncle, a violent bully who adopted her when (at six years old) she survived the earthquake that killed the rest of her family. Noor finds comfort in music and in religion. Misbah plays a crucial maternal role in her life, as well as providing her with a link to Pakistani culture. With Misbah dead, and her friendship with Salahudin in jeopardy, Noor feels increasingly alone, although as guardians and role models, Khadija and Imam Shafiq help to fill the void.

Noor is a paradoxical character in some ways. For all her common sense, determination and no-nonsense attitude, years of abuse have impacted her self-esteem and made her cynical as well as fearful. She keeps her sufferings secret because she does not believe that anyone can...