How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Who would read what I write? Am I allowed to publish? No. Then what is the point of writing, and what is the point of looking? Besides, it will not be for long. The Afghan people are smart and strong. They will kick these Taliban out. When that happens, when we have a decent government in Afghanistan, then I will go out again. Until then, I will stay here." (4.6)
Mother wants nothing to do with the Taliban, and she believes so strongly in the Afghan people that she is willing to wait until they kick them out of the country before she begins writing again. Father tries to convince her that writing again might expedite that process, but Mother is stubborn and she won't listen. She knows that, as a woman, there is no sense fighting the Taliban, yet at the same time, her belief in Afghani's resiliency keeps her hopeful.
Quote #2
"Mrs. Weera!" Nooria exclaimed. Relief washed over her face. Here was someone who could take charge, who could take some of the responsibility off her shoulders. (5.35)
Nooria has been in charge since Father was kidnapped and Mother got depressed, and frankly, it's been quite stressful—food and money are scarce, and the little ones are hungry and lethargic. So when Mrs. Weera arrives, she saves the day. Sure it's a huge help to have another adult around, but she's a breath of fresh air, and her lively spirit in the apartment makes everyone feel like the family might be okay.
Quote #3
"Father come back to us!" she whispered, looking up at the sky. The sun was shining. How could the sun be shining when her father was in jail?
Something caught her eye, a flicker of movement. She thought it came from the blacked-out window, but how could it? Parvana decided she was imaging things. (7.47-7.48)
Parvana never doubts that Father will one day return, and while she pleads to the sky for him to come back, she senses that someone is watching over her. Not in a creepy way, though—in a comforting way. Women are not allowed near windows and they are blacked out so people can't see in them… Is Parvana being hopeful or foolish?