Hakim

Hakim, a well-educated teacher and Laila's Dad, is bookish and sensitive and does his best to give Laila an education, stressing to her that women should have every opportunity men have.

Quotes:

"The husband fancies himself some kind of educated intellectual. But he's a mouse. Look at him. Doesn't he look like a mouse?"

(Part 1, Chapter 12, page 80- Rasheed's description of Hakim to Mariam)

"Marriage can wait, education cannot. You can be anything you want, Laila. I also know that when this war is over, Afghanistan is going to need you as much as its men, maybe even more."

(Part 2, Chapter 16, page 114- Hakim to Laila in a Flashback)

"A society has no chance at success if its women are uneducated, Laila. No chance."

(Part 2, Chapter 16, page 114- Hakim to Laila in a Flashback)