The Pearl that Broke the Shell is Nadia Hashimi’s first fictional work. Her fiction primarily portrays the relationships and plight of women in war-torn Afghanistan. The Pearl that Broke the Shell is the story of two young women who go through various feats to overcome the tremendous challenges thrown at them by their respective destinies. Although both are separated by centuries in time, both are forced to live a part of their lives posing as a boy / man. The freedom they savored in the garb of the opposite sex is something they could not have experienced as a woman. This is a story of Rahima or Rahim, the bacha posh and Shekiba or Shekib, the female-male guard of the royal palace.
Rahima is the second of four sisters in the family of a drug addict father who works for a warlord in war-torn Afghanistan. She made to pretend to be bacha-posh, a child, since his mother cannot have a child. The arrangement works well for everyone, as Rahim, the elegant bacha, helps his mother with household chores and keeps his father happy with the illusion of having a child. But this fairy tale comes to an abrupt end when the warlord for whom Rahima’s father works offers to marry Rahima. His sister, Parwin, is also married to a cousin of the warlord. Although the sisters live only a wall away in their new homes, they are hardly seen as they struggle in their married lives.
When Rahima’s aunt tells the girls about Shekiba, their great-great-grandmother who has had an equally challenging life many centuries ago, Rahima draws inspiration from her story. Shekiba, who had half her face disfigured due to an accident in her childhood, is loathed by everyone around her. It is known to bring bad luck. But his life takes a turn when he lands in the royal palace. He dresses as a man and guards the harem of the King’s mistresses. You feel free to walk in pants and without your chador (the headscarf), but this freedom comes at a price.
Although the stories of Rahima and Shekiba are performed in different eras, the author’s beautiful narration ensures that the reader is seamlessly transported between the eras and does not feel lost. One might feel sympathy for these women, but also praise their bravery and perseverance. The subtle message that the plight of women in Afghanistan has not changed much over the centuries is not lost.
After reading two of Hashimi’s novels, it’s easy to be sure that his books will never disappoint. Reading the stories of difficulties that are described in his books sitting in a comfortable room makes you feel grateful for what you have. But he is also sure of change and progress because of the optimism that spills over into the stories. Rahima and Shekiba’s story of adversity and hope certainly deserves to be read.