Women Quotes in Three Cups of Tea

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

[The women] pulled their shawls over their faces when they saw [Mortenson] and ran to put trees between themselves and the Angrezi, the strange white man. (2.37)

If this were the U.S., women would be running from Greg Mortenson because he hasn't showered in weeks. But in Pakistan, the Shiite women are running from him because it is against their fundamental beliefs to be that close to a foreign man.

Quote #2

Haji Ali's wife, Sakina, saw [Mortenson] stir and brought a lassi, a fresh-baked chapatti, and sweet tea. She was the first Balti woman who had ever approached him. (3.2)

Just as Haji Ali is a little more advanced than his villagers (it takes a smart guy to be the village chief), his wife is a little more progressive as well, not shying away from Mortenson simply because her customs tell her to.

Quote #3

Mortenson asked if Balti women whose husbands were away could also be granted muthaa. (10.26)

In this culture, it's okay for men to have affairs (it's approved at the mosque) but not women. Talk about a double standard.