The Power of Stories and Poetry

Explores the role of storytelling, poetry, and literature in the characters' lives, from Jalil's tales to Babi's poems.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Jalil's Stories to Mariam

A Father's Lies? The Tales of Herat Jalil tells Mariam stories of poets, minarets, and a pistachio tree. She drinks them in. They are her escape from the kolba. Nana's Skepticism Nana calls them rich lies. She says Jalil never took Mariam to the tree. The stories are a form of seduction, not truth. Mariam's Heart Despite the betrayal, Mariam treasures the stories for the rest of her life. They are part of her identity.

Hakim's Poetry and Dreams

A Teacher's Gift The Thousand Splendid Suns Hakim recites the poem about Kabul's thousand splendid suns. He teaches Laila that beauty exists even in the midst of war. The Old Man and the Sea Hakim reads to Laila about Santiago. He teaches her resilience. The story stays with her. Dreams of America Hakim dreams of a restaurant near the sea. He tells Laila about a different life. These dreams give her hope.

Laila's Stories to Aziza

Passing the Torch Telling Aziza About Tariq Laila tells Aziza about her real father, Tariq. She tells her stories of their childhood. The stories heal the gap. Teaching at the Orphanage Laila uses poetry and stories to teach the children. She recites Hafez, Khalili, and the poem about Kabul. Stories are a way to preserve culture. The Power of Words Words survive war. Laila ensures that the next generation knows their heritage. She is a storyteller like her father.

1960s, Mariam's childhood

1980s, Laila's childhood

2001-2003, in Murree and Kabul