The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
by Nadia Hashimi
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi holds a highly rated rating of 4.12 out of 5, based on 19K reader ratings. First published in 2014. The book spans 452 pages.
About The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
Afghan-American Nadia Hashimi's literary debut novel, The Pearl that Broke Its Shell is a searing tale of powerlessness, fate, and the freedom to control one's own fate that combines the cultural flavor and emotional resonance of the works of Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Lisa See.In Kabul, 2007, with a drug-addicted father and no brothers, Rahima and her sisters can only sporadically attend school, and can rarely leave the house. Their only hope lies in the ancient custom of bacha posh, which allows young Rahima to dress and be treated as a boy until she is of marriageable age. As a son, she can attend school, go to the market, and chaperone her older sisters.But Rahima is not the first in her family to adopt this unusual custom. A century earlier, her great-aunt, Shekiba, left orphaned by an epidemic, saved herself and built a new life the same way.Crisscrossing in time, The Pearl the Broke Its Shell interweaves the tales of these two women separated by a century who share similar destinies. But what will happen once Rahima is of marriageable age? Will Shekiba always live as a man? And if Rahima cannot adapt to life as a bride, how will she survive?
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Nadia Hashimi |
| Published | 2014 |
| Pages | 452 |
| Genres | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 4.12 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 19,016 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Pearl That Broke Its Shell?
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell is categorized as Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is The Pearl That Broke Its Shell worth reading?
Based on 19K reader ratings, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell has an average score of 4.12 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Pearl That Broke Its Shell?
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell has 452 pages.
Who wrote The Pearl That Broke Its Shell?
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell was written by Nadia Hashimi. It was first published in 2014.
What is the ISBN for The Pearl That Broke Its Shell?
The ISBN-13 for The Pearl That Broke Its Shell is 9780062244760.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
