This is the story of a girl named Parvana who became a boy for helping her family to survive in Iraq during the time of Taliban
conquest. Her
father was arrested by Taliban because he studied in England. Since there was no way to lead the livelihood, Parvana was forced to become a boy. Under Taliban rule, women were not allowed to go outside without a man. Parvana became a boy and started to do her father’s job, i.e. reading letters to illiterate people for money. During her hard days, she met her old friend, Shauzia who also changed to boy. Her friend had the same story to tell, but she worked as a tea boy in the market. They both started to sell nuts and cigarettes in the crowd for earning more money. Parvana has an elder sister Nooria, a younger one, Maryam and a younger brother Ali. Since the day passes very fast and when Parvana’s mother found it very hard to live tranquilly with her daughters, she decided to conduct the
marriage of Nooria. Nooria was not good to her sister, Parvana, but she was sad to leave her for marriage. Parvana’s mother left to Mazar Sharif with Nooria, leaving Parvana back at home. But on their way to Mazar Sharif, they were conquered by Taliban.
Meanwhile, Parvana’s father came home. She was delighted to see him again. She told him the story of her adventure also about her elder sister’s marriage. Since they didn’t get any information about them, they started to search them by going to Mazar Sharif, hoping that they will join their happy family.