Over all, this was an amazing book with amazing lessons about culture, love, gender roles, and rising from your past and becoming a better version of yourself. The reader can relate to both Laila and Mariam in many was, making the book have a special connection with anyone who reads it. It follows history in the eyes of a society that is often seen as evil when in reality they are nowhere near that. It is an amazing story of how Laila and Mariam made themselves better when their society was against them. Mariam learned her self worth at the end of the story and died a sacrificial and peaceful death. Laila got out of a situation or torture because of the love she made along the way. This story is one of self love, culture, and making yourself better. This was one of the best books I've ever read.