Much of Maraini's writing was affected by her parents and the roles they played in her life. Maraini grew up with an adventurous father and a mother who was always burdened and, in addition to this, read books in which only men would go on quests and journeys.
The influence of Maraini's parents on her writing is evident, particularly through the contrasting figures of her father, a free-spirited adventurer, and her mother, burdened by responsibilities and drawn to stories featuring male protagonists embarking on quests.