Chapters 18-21 Summary

In Chapter 18, Katya visits the Shrawi residence while the men are away at work. She is received into the women's sitting room in a formal and stiff manner by her sisters-in-law. Though she is the same age as many of her sisters-in-law, she feels that they all seem older and haggard. She feels unwelcome in this room and herself cannot imagine a life where she sits around all day.

She offers her condolences for their loss and notices that at the mention of Nouf, the women harden. Two of the most devout and pious sisters and cousins, leave to another room and the younger sister, Abir leaves as well. Seeing that it is not going well, Katya bids goodbye and prepares to leave. On her way out, she sneaks into Nouf's old bedroom. In a desk drawer she finds a magazine...