The world of Newbery Honor book Shabanu is vividly re-created in this

novel of a young Pakistani woman's heartbreaking struggle against the tyranny

of custom and ancient law. Shabanu, now a mother at 18, faces daily challenges

to her position in her husband's household, even as she plans for her young

daughter's education and uncertain future. Then, during a visit to the

haveli, their home in the city of Lahore, Shabanu falls in love with

Omar, in spite of traditions that forbid their union. "Again, Staples imbues

Shabanu and her beautiful, brutally repressive world with a splendid reality

that transcends the words on the page. Admirers of the intelligent and

courageous Shabanu will thirst for more."--(starred) Kirkus.