Set in Karachi, Pakistan, fourteen-year-old Nazia is enjoying school with her friends. After her father loses his job and his interest in working, Nazia's dowry is stolen and the family is evicted from their home . Nazia and her mother go to work as maids (masias) in order to support themselves and 2 younger siblings. Nazia has been raised to obey her mother's wishes and knows when she marries, she will be under the authority of her mother-in-law, but as the story progresses Nazia wonders about other choices she may have.
It found it took awhile for me to get involved with this narrative, but once engaged I found it a very absorbing story, building to an exciting and satisfying ending. The author includes many Urdu words which are defined in a glossary at the end.
This story would appeal to older middle school, high school and adult readers. The author, Amjed Qamar, a Muslim Indian-American, gives us a glimpse into life for a young person growing up in Pakistan.