My Forbidden Face

In your opinion, how have the characters changed over the course of the novel? ‘Terror and Chaos are now our rulers.’ These words haunt and rule over the people of Kabul. The main characters endure through physical and emotional torment, living in a world where fear is lived in ordinary daily routine. The book ‘My Forbidden Face’ by Latifa illuminates the world of Afghanistan before and after the Taliban invasion. Latifa’s mother faced detrimental physical and emotional trauma throughout the novel. Latifa changes from a cheerful teenager to a fearful and cautious woman, simply overnight. Her experiences, sights and stories shape her psychological health, enabling her to become an independent and rebellious voice. The people of Kabul are degraded and dehumanised by the Taliban. Latifa’s anonymous character and emotional outcries inspire and teach the readers to understand the pain and turmoil of the women of Kabul.
A reoccurring theme throughout the book is violence and fear. Latifa is now living a life of fear and submission. Latifa must now abide by the rules of the Taliban; she is the will of their instrument. Her serene nature of the world is left behind when the white flag is embedded upon the Mosque hanging victoriously. The hanging of Najibullah strengthened and enhanced this fear. This single act, the hanging of Najibullah is what changes Latifa for the first time. The realisation that the world she once knew is now over. The horrific sight has detrimental physical and psychological effects upon Latifa. The death of Najibullah poses a great impact upon Latifa and her family, the realisation that they are not longer safe and that the Taliban have no remorse. ‘Anyone can die under the hands of a Taliban’. The prominent terror in the city is intensified by whips and gunfire. She is no longer a woman of her age. ‘I’m struggling to live the normal life of a girl my age’ this encapsulates the loss of freedom and youth by Latifa, being stripped of her nail