Coming of age in an authoritarian society

Do you have sympathy for Leila as she struggles between her outspoken free spirit and demand for obedience in every aspect of her life as a young girl? As a young adult?

Absolutely! How lucky most of us here in the US and England are to have grown up in a free society. Granted, women's rights are still not what they could be, but so much better than for Leila and her like. With what's going on in Afghanistan right now I am so fearful for the girls and women there.

One hundred percent yes! I know I take for granted what I as a women have available to me here in the US, it’s not perfect but compared to what Leila and Shiler and real women from similar parts of the world have to deal with, this story was a great reminder to count my blessings and to be more active in resisting old unfair norms! Every women should have a voice about their mind, body and needs!

This book and others like it help us to understand, but only imperfectly how hard living in this type of society is for women. A society that restricts and suppresses women, especially in education and employment is weakening their own ability as a nation to thrive.

I agree with you all, I felt so luck to be an American when I read this book. There are times when women struggle here, but nothing like this character!

I agree with the previous statements. I cannot even image living under the restrictions put upon girls and women. Hours they were allowed to use the library, being seen alone, being considered a temptation to men so they must be completed covered. Growing up in this environment really damaged Leila's personality. She was fearful and distrustful of most people, never knowing who she could trust.