Summary

Chapter 21 is narrated by Philothei, who is now 12-years-old. Her and Ibrahim spend more and more time alone together, and Philothei fears they will get caught. Ibrahim reassures her that everything is fine since their parents have already arranged that they will one day marry. He places her hand over his heart before leaving.

Chapter 22 is another first person narration, this time lead by Ayse, the wife of the imam. Tamara’s beaten body is brought to her, and she worries that Tamara’s adulterous behavior may be contagious. When Ayse sees that Tamara is alive, the sorrow in her face hurts Ayse. As she tends to her wounds, she is disgusted to see that Tamara has been kicked in the chest and groin.

Chapter 23 is a third person narration that follows the imam, Abdulhamid Hodja. As Tamara recovers, she says she...