Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

The Haj season is over, and the family wishes to return to Riyadh. However, news of a sandstorm grounds them, and they decide to spend some time in their vacation home in nearby Jeddah. Jeddah is much less strict about women in public and similar issues, and it is a resort-type town full of shopping. Sultana is thrilled about spending some time in Jeddah. However, Amani is withdrawn and obsessing over reading the Koran.

As the weeks go by, Amani retreats even further into herself, and she begins to wear dark, thick clothing in the manner of a fundamentalist. She also starts to have prayer meetings in the house with other women in the extended family. Sultana overhears Amani speak of the wickedness of her own family, comparing them to ostentatious sinners. Amani begins to mock the family's fine clothes and...