Shabanu, you are as wild as the wind. You must learn to obey. Shabanu lives with her family in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert, in a society that denies women any form of independence. At twelve years old, Shabanu is already betrothed, while her sister Phelan, a year older, is about to be married. Then tragedy strikes and Shabanu is faced with a decision that will change her life for ever - she must choose between the strength of her own dreams of freedom and her obligation to her family and culture...This powerful novel blends intrigue and excitement with an open look at Muslim culture and the issue of women's roles in traditional society. It is endorsed by Amnesty International UK as contributing to a better understanding of human rights and the values that underpin them.