Summary

The short story “Farida’s Eyes” by Leila Aboulela centers around a hard-working schoolgirl, Farida, who has poor eyesight. She is worried about getting bad grades because she cannot read what is written on the blackboard. Sister Carlotta is the only teacher who allows Farida to sit in front, so she can see better, despite the school rule that tall students should sit in the back. She reminds Farida that she needs glasses, but Farida’s father thinks glasses are too expensive and that she will look ugly in them.

Sister Carlotta tells Farida’s class about her mother, comparing her to the main character from Flowers for Mrs Harris, which amuses the class. She also tells them her mother has macular degeneration and is unable to see much.

Farida loses interest in lessons because she has problems with her eyesigh...