In the aftermath of the separation, the protagonist struggles but slowly begins to thrive. The novel concludes on a hopeful yet realistic note. She has not necessarily defeated her family, but she has established boundaries. The "ties" are broken, but she is free to form new, healthier relationships on her own terms.
When the protagonist attempts to seek help or contemplate leaving, she is met with fierce resistance from both her family and the community. Rather than offering support, religious and social authorities pressure her to endure the abuse for the sake of "honor" and family reputation. The narrative highlights the hypocrisy of a system that protects the abuser while policing the actions of the victim. 4. The Act of Liberation Breaking Ties By Sara Abubakar Summary Pdf