Orphaned at Birth

Fereiba's life begins with loss: her mother dies giving birth to her, and her father, though well-intentioned, is emotionally distant. Raised in Kabul, Fereiba grows up feeling like an outsider in her own family, overshadowed by her older brother and later by her stepmother, KokoGul. The absence of maternal warmth leaves Fereiba with a deep longing for belonging and love, shaping her resilience and her yearning for a different future. Her early years are marked by chores, neglect, and a sense of being "other," but also by a stubborn hope that she can carve out a place for herself in a world that seems to have little room for her.

Stepmother's Shadow

KokoGul, Fereiba's stepmother, is not cruel but never truly embraces her as a daughter. She favors her own children, especially Najiba, and keeps Fereiba at arm's length, both emotionally and practically. Fereiba becomes the family's workhorse, denied the education her siblings receive. The household is a battleground of subtle resentments, superstitions, and shifting alliances, with Fereiba always on the periphery. Yet, in the market and in moments of shared labor, there are fleeting connections between stepmother and stepdaughter, hinting at the complexity of their relationship.

Dreams of Education

Despite being held back from school to help at home, Fereiba's determination and intelligence eventually win her a place in the classroom—years behind her peers. She excels, catching up quickly, and education becomes her sanctuary and her hope for a different life. Her grandfather, Boba-jan, is her advocate, encouraging her to pursue knowledge. School is not just about learning; it is about self-worth and the possibility of a future beyond domestic drudgery. Fereiba's academic success is a quiet rebellion against the limitations imposed on her.

Orchard Whispers

The family orchard is both refuge and stage for Fereiba's coming-of-age. Here, she encounters a mysterious neighbor boy, Hameed, whose poetic soul and secret conversations awaken her first feelings of love. Their connection is tender but forbidden, conducted through the safety of a wall and the anonymity of dusk. The orchard is also where Fereiba mourns her grandfather's death and contemplates her future, torn between tradition and her own desires. The orchard's mulberry trees become a symbol of light and water of hope, longing, and the bittersweet nature of memory.

Unwanted Suitor

Fereiba's family arranges a marriage with the son of a wealthy, influential family—a boy she recognizes as a cruel market harasser. The engagement is a transaction, not a romance, and Fereiba feels trapped by the expectations of her stepmother and the indifference of her father. Her secret confidant, Hameed, warns her of the suitor's character, and together they pray for deliverance. When the suitor dies suddenly, Fereiba is both relieved and haunted by guilt, as if their prayers had summoned tragedy. The episode cements her sense of being cursed and different.

Secret Love, Silent Walls

After the suitor's death, Hameed's family proposes marriage—not for Fereiba, but for her half-sister Najiba. Fereiba is devastated, feeling doubly betrayed by her family and by Hameed, who does not protest the arrangement. She is forced to watch the man she loves marry her sister, and her grief is compounded by the realization that, as a motherless stepchild, she is always second best. Yet, in time, a new proposal comes from Mahmood, a kind and principled man. With the support of his mother, Fereiba finds a new family and a chance at happiness.

Tragedy and Escape

Fereiba's marriage to Mahmood brings stability and love, but Afghanistan's political situation deteriorates. The Soviet invasion, civil war, and the rise of the Taliban strip away freedoms and safety. Mahmood is eventually targeted and disappears, presumed killed by the regime. Alone, pregnant, and with three children, Fereiba faces starvation and persecution. With the help of neighbors, she decides to flee Kabul, embarking on a perilous journey toward Europe, driven by the hope of a future for her children.

Marriage and Motherhood

Fereiba's years with Mahmood are marked by love, loss, and resilience. She becomes a teacher, and together they raise Saleem, Samira, and eventually Aziz. The family endures the trauma of war, the loss of relatives, and the daily threats of life under the Taliban. Mahmood's disappearance is a devastating blow, but Fereiba's identity as a mother becomes her anchor. Her children's needs and vulnerabilities force her to find strength she never knew she had, even as she mourns the life and love she has lost.

Kabul's Collapse

The Taliban's rise to power brings new restrictions and dangers. Fereiba is banned from teaching, Samira cannot attend school, and Saleem is forced to grow up too quickly. The family's world shrinks to survival, with food scarce and fear omnipresent. When Mahmood is taken, the last vestiges of safety vanish. Fereiba's decision to leave is both desperate and courageous, a mother's gamble to save her children from a city that has become a prison.

Mahmood's Disappearance

Mahmood's arrest and presumed execution by the Taliban leave Fereiba in shock and grief. Saleem, on the cusp of manhood, is thrust into the role of provider and protector. Samira retreats into silence, and baby Aziz's health falters. The family's isolation is profound, with neighbors offering what little help they can. Fereiba's determination to escape grows, fueled by the knowledge that staying means certain death or worse for her children.

Flight from Afghanistan

With forged documents and the help of trusted friends, Fereiba and her children begin their escape: first to Herat, then across the border into Iran, and onward to Turkey. The journey is fraught with danger—smugglers, border guards, treacherous terrain, and the constant threat of discovery. Saleem, eager to prove himself, takes on more responsibility, but the family is tested at every turn. Aziz's health is a constant worry, and Samira's silence deepens. The journey is both a physical and emotional trial, with each border crossed a small victory against despair.

Exile in Turkey

In Turkey, the family finds temporary refuge with a kind couple, Hakan and Hayal, who offer shelter and support. Saleem works on a farm, enduring exploitation and hardship, while Fereiba cleans houses and worries over Aziz's worsening condition. Samira slowly emerges from her silence, helped by Hayal's gentle teaching. The family's funds dwindle, and the dream of reaching England becomes more distant. Saleem's adolescence is marked by labor, loneliness, and the burden of adult responsibility.

Aziz's Failing Heart

Aziz's health deteriorates, and a Turkish doctor confirms he has a serious heart defect. The family cannot afford proper treatment, and Fereiba is tormented by guilt and helplessness. Saleem feels the weight of his brother's suffering and his own inability to change their circumstances. The family's situation grows more precarious, and the urgency to continue their journey intensifies. The hope of medical care in England becomes their last lifeline.

Crossing Borders

The family's journey continues through Greece, where they face hunger, homelessness, and the constant threat of arrest. Saleem resorts to stealing food to keep them alive, and the family sleeps in parks and abandoned buildings. Aid workers offer sporadic help, and Saleem forms a connection with Roksana, a half-Afghan volunteer who becomes a rare source of kindness and information. The family's unity is tested when Saleem is arrested and deported, leaving Fereiba to make the agonizing decision to continue without him.

Athens: Hunger and Hope

In Athens, Saleem's arrest and deportation to Turkey shatter the family's fragile stability. Fereiba, forced to choose between waiting for her son and saving Aziz, decides to press on. Saleem, alone and desperate, makes his way back to Turkey and then to Greece, relying on the help of former hosts and his own resourcefulness. The family's separation is a crucible, forging new strengths and exposing old wounds.

Saleem's Arrest

Saleem's attempt to pawn his mother's last gold bangles ends in disaster when he is detained by police. His absence throws Fereiba into panic, but with Aziz's health failing, she must choose between waiting for Saleem or continuing the journey. Saleem is deported to Turkey, and the family's paths diverge. Both mother and son are haunted by guilt and longing, each believing they have failed the other.

Family Divided

Separated, Fereiba and Saleem each face their own ordeals. Fereiba, with Samira and Aziz, makes her way through Italy and France, enduring bureaucratic indifference and the constant fear of being sent back. Saleem, after a harrowing return to Turkey and a period of forced labor, finds the means to re-enter Europe, traveling alone through a gauntlet of smugglers, violence, and betrayal. Both are sustained by memories, hope, and the dream of reunion.

The Long Road West

Saleem's journey through Europe is marked by encounters with other refugees, criminals, and the marginalized. In Rome, he is helped by Mimi, an Albanian girl trapped in prostitution, whose own story of exploitation and loss mirrors his. Together, they confront danger and violence, and Saleem is forced to confront the darkness within himself and the world. The journey is a test of endurance, morality, and the limits of hope.

Jungle of Calais

Saleem arrives at the infamous Jungle camp in Calais, a squalid limbo for refugees hoping to reach England. Here, he meets Ajmal and other Afghans, each with their own stories of loss and longing. The camp is a place of camaraderie and competition, hope and hopelessness. Saleem is haunted by memories of his father and the choices that brought him here. The camp's impending closure forces Saleem to risk everything for a chance at freedom.

Tunnel to Tomorrow

With the Jungle about to be destroyed, Saleem and Ajmal attempt a dangerous crossing through the Channel Tunnel, dodging trains and police in the darkness. The journey is a culmination of all their trials, a leap of faith into the unknown. Saleem's thoughts are with his mother, his siblings, and the life they might build in England. The story ends with hope: the possibility of reunion, healing, and a new beginning in a land where, at last, they might rest.

Characters

Fereiba

Fereiba is the emotional heart of the novel—a woman shaped by early loss, neglect, and the constant struggle for acceptance. Her journey from orphaned stepchild to loving wife and mother is marked by resilience, intelligence, and a fierce devotion to her children. Psychoanalytically, Fereiba is driven by a need to create the family she never had, to protect her children from the abandonment and indifference she suffered. Her relationship with Mahmood is a rare source of joy and partnership, and his loss is a wound that never fully heals. As a refugee, Fereiba's maternal identity becomes both her burden and her salvation, propelling her through unimaginable hardship with a quiet, stubborn hope.

Saleem

Saleem's arc is one of forced maturation. The loss of his father and the collapse of his world thrust him into the role of provider and protector before he is ready. He is intelligent, resourceful, and sensitive, but also angry and conflicted—resentful of the burdens placed on him and haunted by guilt over his family's suffering. Saleem's journey is both physical and psychological: he must navigate not only borders and dangers but also the complexities of identity, masculinity, and morality. His relationships—with his mother, siblings, and the people he meets on the road—reveal a young man struggling to reconcile vulnerability with the need to be strong.

Mahmood

Mahmood is a principled, loving husband and father, whose commitment to his work and his country ultimately leads to his downfall. He is a stabilizing force for Fereiba, offering her the love and partnership she craves. His disappearance is a turning point, shattering the family's sense of safety and forcing Fereiba into the role of sole protector. Mahmood's legacy is both a source of pride and pain for his family, and his absence is felt in every decision they make.

KokoGul

KokoGul is a complex figure—neither villain nor saint. She is pragmatic, superstitious, and often cold, but not without moments of warmth and humor. Her relationship with Fereiba is fraught with competition and resentment, but also occasional solidarity. KokoGul's favoritism and sharp tongue are coping mechanisms for her own disappointments and insecurities. She represents the limitations and contradictions of traditional Afghan womanhood.

Najiba

Najiba is the favored daughter, the recipient of KokoGul's affection and the opportunities denied to Fereiba. Her marriage to Hameed is a source of pain for Fereiba, but Najiba is not malicious—she is simply the beneficiary of a system that values some children over others. As an adult, she becomes a source of support for Fereiba in exile, demonstrating the enduring bonds of family despite past rivalries.

Hameed

Hameed is the boy in the orchard, Fereiba's first love and confidant. His inability to defy his family and claim Fereiba as his bride is a formative betrayal, shaping her understanding of love and loyalty. Hameed's later marriage to Najiba is a cruel twist, but also a reflection of the constraints of tradition and the powerlessness of individuals within it.

Samira

Samira is a sensitive, intelligent girl traumatized by loss and displacement. Her silence after Mahmood's disappearance is both a symptom of her pain and a form of resistance. As the journey progresses, Samira slowly regains her voice and agency, becoming a source of comfort and support for her mother and brother. She embodies the resilience of children and the possibility of healing.

Aziz

Aziz is the baby of the family, born into chaos and marked by illness. His heart defect is both a literal and symbolic representation of the family's vulnerability. Aziz's survival becomes the family's primary goal, a reason to keep moving and to hope for a future in which he can be healed. His presence is a reminder of innocence and the stakes of the journey.

Roksana

Roksana is a volunteer in Athens who befriends Saleem and his family. Her mixed heritage and compassion make her a rare ally in a hostile environment. She provides practical help and emotional support, and her relationship with Saleem is a source of comfort and longing. Roksana represents the possibility of cross-cultural understanding and the importance of small acts of kindness.

Mimi

Mimi is a young woman trapped in exploitation and violence in Rome. Her story parallels Saleem's in its themes of betrayal, survival, and the loss of innocence. Their brief connection is both a solace and a reminder of the dangers facing the vulnerable. Mimi's fate is a cautionary tale, underscoring the precariousness of hope for those on the margins.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel alternates between Fereiba's and Saleem's perspectives, allowing readers to experience the refugee journey from both a mother's and a son's point of view. This structure emphasizes the emotional and physical distances that develop between family members in times of crisis, as well as the different burdens and hopes each carries. The dual narrative also creates suspense, as the reader is often aware of dangers or opportunities that the characters themselves do not know.

Symbolism of Light and Water

Throughout the novel, light (roshanee) and water recur as symbols of hope, renewal, and the possibility of a new life. The orchard's mulberry trees, the moon, and the sea all serve as metaphors for the family's longing for peace and belonging. Water, in particular, is both a barrier and a path to safety, representing the risks and rewards of the journey.

Foreshadowing and Superstition

Afghan superstitions—evil eye, omens, and rituals—permeate the narrative, reflecting the characters' attempts to exert control over an unpredictable world. These beliefs often foreshadow coming tragedies or reversals of fortune, creating a sense of inevitability and highlighting the limits of human agency.

Coming-of-Age Under Duress

Saleem's journey is a classic coming-of-age story, but one shaped by war, loss, and exile. His transition from boy to man is not marked by rites of passage or celebration, but by hardship, violence, and the need to protect his family. The novel explores the psychological costs of forced maturity and the ways in which trauma can both scar and strengthen.

The Refugee Journey as Epic Quest

The family's flight from Afghanistan to England is structured as an epic quest, with each border crossing, betrayal, and act of kindness serving as a trial or test. The journey is not just about reaching a destination, but about transformation—of identity, relationships, and the meaning of home.

Analysis

Nadia Hashimi's novel transforms the refugee experience from a statistic into a deeply personal, human story. Through the intertwined journeys of Fereiba and Saleem, the book explores the psychological toll of war, the complexities of motherhood and adolescence, and the moral ambiguities of survival. The narrative is rich with symbolism—light, water, and the orchard—underscoring the themes of hope and transformation. The dual perspective structure allows for a nuanced exploration of gender, generational trauma, and the ways in which love and loss shape identity. The novel does not shy away from the brutality of exile—violence, exploitation, and the indifference of bureaucracies—but it also celebrates the small acts of kindness and the stubborn persistence of hope. Ultimately, When the Moon is Low is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to recognize the dignity and humanity of those forced to seek new homes.

Last updated: May 16, 2025