"There are times I will speak to you in my own voice. Others will speak in theirs. Our tale comes from a million suns and moons and comets and all that I cannot possibly know you will reach these pages with the help of Allah and our special magic." (Part 1, Chapter 1, pg. 5)

"It was not that Ibrahim hated me or treated me any worse than he treated my brothers. Arab men can be very affectionate to their sons when they are little and dressed as girls and living with the women. But once they cross the threshold into the man's world, they are generally ignored by their fathers. The relationship from then on is centered on obedience. It is the father's privilege. For this he allows his sons to work his fields for their living and when they take a bride, she comes into the father's house." (Part...