Chapter 2, pages 42-54 Summary and Analysis

Firdaus is only able to put up with her life at her uncle and Sheikh Mahmoud's houses out of fear of the eyes in the street. When she marries Sheikh Mahmoud, he wraps his body around her at night, and she washes vigorously once he finishes with her body. He begrudges her every scrap of food and begins beating her when she throws food away. Firdaus runs away to her uncle's house, but he takes her back to Sheikh Mahmoud immediately because all husbands beat their wives.

Back at her husband's house, Firdaus is beaten but yields submissively; however, when Sheikh Mahmoud beats her with a stick the next day, she runs away to the street. When she stops at a coffee-house to beg for water, Bayoumi, the owner, invites Firdaus to live with him and promises...