Each of the female protagonists in the novel faces her own issues, but there is a lot of overlap between the characters’ problems, which are often specific to their status as women in relation to men in a male-dominated culture. At one point or another, all the women in the novel are evaluated specifically as an extension of a man. Huda’s status as the provider in her family draws her husband’s ire, Rania’s status as a widow endangers her daughter’s safety, and Ally’s lack of specific occupation relegates her to the diminutive position of “housewife.” Though every issue faced by the protagonists in this novel can be interpreted as an inherent reflection of the fights that real-life women often face, the interactions amongst these three women also demonstrate the myriad methods—both overt and covert—that women the world over have developed to resist and defy patriarchal oppression.

Huda and Ally must overcome issues that are precise opposites, for while Huda endures criticism and outright suspicion because of her successful occupation, Ally is judged for her very lack of occupation within Iraq. Huda’s difficulties become particularly apparent whenever Abdul Amir snaps at her, essentially blaming her for his own insecurities about the fact that his wife is the sole provider for the family.