The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi

In Afghanistan—where, eight years after the toppling of the Taliban by US and allied troops, women are still routinely arrested and jailed for “running away” or for adultery, where current law does not recognize the crime of rape, and where 70 to 80 per cent of marriages are forced—any woman who dares to speak out or attempts to affect change incurs at best abuse and threats, at worse death. “When you are outspoken and involved in political and social life you are bound to be the victim of attacks,” according to Fauwzia Kufi, a member of parliament quoted in a new report from Human Rights Watch. “Look at the assassinations—a very high proportion are women.”  Read the rest @ Words Without Borders.