In a Kabul fractured by poverty and tradition, a young girl must adopt the guise of a boy to navigate the constraints of her society. Rahima and her sisters live under the shadow of a drug-addicted father and a society that severely limits their freedom. To gain agency, Rahima embraces the ancient custom of bacha posh, allowing her to live as a boy, attend school, and manage household affairs. Her story is interwoven with that of her great-aunt, Shekiba, who a century earlier, also used this custom to survive and build a new life after being orphaned. The narrative explores their parallel lives and the ultimate question of what happens when their time as boys must end.

The novel is praised for its sensitive portrayal of Afghan culture and the unique custom of bacha posh. Readers often connect with the resilience of the female characters as they navigate restrictive societal norms. The dual narrative structure is frequently highlighted as a compelling element that draws parallels between past and present struggles. The book is generally seen as an insightful look into the lives of women in Afghanistan, offering a perspective on their strength and determination.