In what ways do the personal sufferings of both nana and Fariba affect their ability to be good mothers?

Nana's personal sufferings included a number of set backs that changed her life. She had little control over the things that happened to her, and as a result short changed her daughter and held her back from the possibilities of a better life. As a young girl, she was to be married..... the marriage was called off through no fault of her own. Later, she becomes involved with Jalil, gets pregnant, and is then cast out of his home. Nana's reaction is to isolate herself (and Mariam), to refuse Miriam the chance to be educated, and to raise her daughter to endure rather than live.

Fariba refuses to leave the war torn country when she has the chance, regardless that it would have been best for her children. She loves her family, but she loves her country more. She remains in Afghanistan through the worst, and her actions are filled with hope after the Mujihadeen victory.