The Year of the Elephant, Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

Zahra next spoke of her childhood. She had the heritage of both peasants (farmers) and townsfolk. Her family, along with the town, made a living by growing orchards, and orchard thieves made the nights very dangerous. Although Zahra's father treated her as a favorite, he was still a violent and unpredictable man, and she was afraid of him. As for her mother, Zahra contends that she felt completely indifferent towards her, like a stranger.

However, Zahra was mostly raised by her ancient grandfather and grandmother. Her grandparents let her do whatever she wished, and she had a reasonably free and happy childhood. But Zahra thought of her childhood home, and realizes she cannot go back there. Her grandparents had long since died, and the house has been parceled out to many...