Taghreid El Zein

**"A woman's heart-breaking journey to find dignity." **

More than a love story . . . more than a coming-of-age novel . . . Behind the Closed House chronicles the journey of a young woman whose struggles mirror those of her beloved country, Afghanistan.

Zulaikha finds post-9/11 Afghanistan a hostile land for women who dream of getting an education and an even more hostile place for those who dare to dream of teaching. She should know. As long as she could remember, she had wanted only one thing—to teach.

Hafeez, once a top-notch freedom fighter who helped to drive the Soviet Union out of the country also discovered that Afghanistan, fast becoming nothing more than the pawn of the Taliban regime senses the change. He is transformed from a well-respected neighbor and friend to an emotionally crippled man following the death of his wife.

Refusing to accept a society in which women are “sold” in marriage, she’s vulnerable as a single woman whose parents have recently died. Despite this, she’s determined that nothing will stop her from proclaiming the human rights of women in this country – and never loses sight of her ultimate dream, to teach.

After a series of tragedies it appears she may have broken free from the mores of the political climate and found true love. 

But can either survive the cruelest act of a vengeful madman?

A coming of age contemporary novel which will take you through Zulaikha’s emotional and powerful journey.