Chapter 11 Summary

Nazneen has finished her housework, and with nothing else to do, she goes to the meeting without Chanu's knowledge or permission. About 20 people gather to select a name, a mission, and leaders for their group. Among them is a black man who has tried several other religions already. After some bickering, they decide to call themselves the Bengal Tigers and to fight for Muslim rights and culture. Karim is elected Chairman by a margin of one vote over his rival and Nazneen proudly realizes that it is because of her participation.

Karim continues to bring sewing work to Nazneen and to talk to her about the world. She is "shamed" and excited by his knowledge, and she relishes the Bengali newsletters that he leaves for her. She wants Chanu to see them and know that she too is reading and learning about the...