Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

Sultana begins the chapter separating her angry daughters during an argument. Amani has become increasingly intolerant of her brother and sister. Abdullah is more willing to capitulate to Amani's demands, while Maha is fierce and combative. The argument is over the newspaper. Amani has decided that, since the newspaper contains the word "God," it is sacred, and cannot be thrown away as garbage. Maha mocks her belief by shoving the newspaper in Amani's face. Sultana largely agrees with Maha: Amani has become much too extremist in her beliefs.

Sultana must then deal with another family crisis. Abdullah drives home very upset and nearly causes a car accident. He has learned that his best friend, Jafer, has eloped and fled Saudi Arabia with a beautiful young woman named Fayza. Fayza is the daughter of a business partner of Kareem's named Fouad. By...