The Neighbors: Community and Gossip

Examines the role of the neighborhood women and men in Deh-Mazang in the lives of Mariam and Laila.

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Fariba and the Tandoor

A Friendly Encounter The First Day Mariam goes to the communal tandoor to bake bread. She is overwhelmed by the women who swarm her. Fariba is friendly, but Mariam flees. The Gossip Network Fariba and other women share news. They know about Rasheed's temper. They gossip about Laila and Tariq. A Source of Support Despite the initial fear, the neighborhood women are a web of support. They help during funerals and births. They are a community.

Rasheed's View of the Neighbors

Contempt and Suspicion The Teacher Hakim Rasheed scorns Hakim, calling him a mouse. He disapproves of Fariba's uncovered hair. He believes he is superior. Isolation Rasheed keeps his wives isolated. He does not want them to gossip. The community is a threat to his control. The Irony When the Taliban come, Rasheed supports them. The neighborhood is afraid. The community that could have helped is silenced.

1974, Mariam's first days in Kabul

1974-1992, various times