The memory is often an idyll, experienced with a valued object and yet for some reason unspeakable. It is a memory entombed in a fast and secure place awaiting resurrection. (Abraham & Torak, 1994, p.140− 1)

In Fawad and his mother’s case both certainly have ‘entombed’ their past pain of destruction of their family. They have certainly witnessed and survived trauma of the worst kind and both cling to each other in order to survive their ordeal. After all what other choice do, they have but to try to survive amongst the rubble that is left within their lives? Busfield’s novel also brings to light the massive implications of the Taliban’s actions on the women and children within Afghanistan. After the destruction of his entire family Fawad’s mother is placed in an