A review by whatchapterareyouon
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi

dark hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Absolutely loved this book! Excellent emotive writing about subject matter I had not had much exposure to. 

This book is based in Afghanistan and explores the concept of ‘Bacha Posh’, when girls / women in Afghanistan act as though they are boys / men. 

This is a dual narrative book following two women across two different timelines. This book at times is harrowing but really examines the struggle of being a woman in Afghanistan during these two periods. 

I absolutely loved the writing in this book. I felt like I was there with them and it felt vivid! It was fast paced with short chapters, continually changing between the two narratives. Would highly recommend!