Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 17, "The Murder of Theo" opens with the threats which are becoming more real on Ayaan's and Theo's lives for the film and her continued speaking out. On November 2, 2004, Theo is shot and killed in broad daylight on the street on his way to work. Ayaan's security becomes more intense as she is shuffled from place to place to keep her whereabouts secret.

Ayaan learns of the letter left on Theo's body, which threatens her life. She does not attend his funeral so as not to put others in danger. She was able to say good-bye at the morgue, as both of them are atheist, this is the end.

Her security detail becomes even tighter and over the next 75 days she is allowed minimal contact with friends or anyone in the outside world. She is kept in a small town in...