The main domestic conflict within the novel is between Mariam and her husband Rasheed. At first, it seems like Mariam is completely submissive and helpless to her circumstances as she does not lift a finger or protest as she is beaten, slapped and punched, But Mariam’s constant hope of a better life is evidence that she has not given up, and is not the stereotypical submissive wife that the reader may be imagining (Akhtar, Rauf, Ikram, Raees). Despite being constantly abused, and betrayed, Mariam never gives up on the hope that she will find a family. As a child, Mariam is verbally abused by her mother, but she finds solace in her father, Jalil’s, weekly visits. Mariam trusts her father more than anyone, until Jalil betrays Mariam by selling her off to Rasheed in marriage.…