The Breadwinner is a children’s tale written by Deborah Ellis, a Canadian novelist and activist. The novel was released in 2000. Four sequels followed, including Parvana’s Journey, Mud City, My Name is Parvana, and One More Mountain. The story follows the struggles of its 11-year-old Afghani female protagonist, Parvana, who must pass as a guy in order to support her family after her father is kidnapped by the Taliban.

The novel looks at complicated issues through Parvana’s eyes, such as the turmoil in Afghanistan and the limits on life under the Taliban, particularly for women. Despite being a work of fiction, the story is based on conversations the author had with Afghani refugees in camps in Russia and Pakistan. An animated feature film adaption of The Breadwinner is scheduled for release in 2017.

Parvana, who is 11 when The Breadwinner begins, lives in Kabul, Afghanistan, with her father, mother Fatana, older sister Nooria, and younger siblings Maryam and Ali. The family’s belongings have dwindled with each bombing of one of their former houses, and they now dwell in a cramped room with virtually nothing.

The bombing of the school where Parvana’s father works causes him to lose his job, as well as a partial limb amputation. When the Taliban’s limits on women’s participation in public life are implemented, Parvana’s mother is sacked from her employment as a radio station writer.

Taliban troops burst into Parvana’s father’s home one day after accusing him of having an education overseas. When Parvana and her mother went to the local jail to urge the inmate’s release, the guards assaulted them in punishment for breaching gendered stereotypes. Parvana’s mother becomes motionless on her bed while suffering from a serious depression.

Because of the Taliban’s limitations on women’s rights in Afghanistan, the family is left in terrible circumstances. Women are also not authorized to work or travel independently. Mrs. Weera’s aid helps Parvana’s mother recover from depression and move in with the family. Mrs. Weera was a former physical education teacher.

Fatana and Mrs. Weera begin smuggling publications back and forth from Pakistan, which they publish secretly. The two women plan to disguise Parvana as a man by shaving her head and clothing her in Hossain’s old clothes, allowing her to work and pay for groceries. Parvana continues her father’s practice of reading and writing letters to illiterate marketgoers.

Parvana has an unusual acquaintance with a woman who lives in the window above the market where she works; the woman gives Parvana presents. She also forms a business with Shauzia, a girl she attended school with who is likewise disguised as a guy.

Despite never becoming close, desperation transforms them into comrades. They build a mobile store and sell items in trays. Excavating tombs provides them with the funds for the trays. Parvana becomes closer to her older sister, Nooria, as she strives to maintain her family. Soon after, Nooria announces that she is moving from Kabul to the northern city of Mazae-E-Sharif, where she plans to marry and go to college.

She is followed by her mother and younger siblings, with Parvana remaining behind. One day after work, Parvana meets Homa, a young lady who escaped Mazar-e-Sharif and is now upset.

As Parvana brings her home, she discovers that the Taliban have conquered Homa’s city and massacred her family; Homa has only just managed to escape. Mrs. Weera treats Homa with kindness and takes her in, but Parvana is concerned about her family’s future.

The unexpected release of Parvana’s father from jail, despite his blatant abuse, is a godsend. Mrs. Weera, Homa, and Parvana work together to progressively heal him. When he is ready to go, Parvana and her father board a vehicle and travel to Mazar-e-Sharif. Shauzia plans to flee the nation in order to escape marriage.

After Parvana says goodbye to her new friend, they arrange to meet at the top of the Eiffel Tower in 20 years. Mrs. Weera and Homa plan to travel to Pakistan to aid women in exile. Parvana takes a final look at the Afghan highlands. Despite the uncertainty of the future, she remains hopeful.