A South Asian Family's Intergenerational Struggle in the Diaspora
Sabaa Tahir's upcoming YA novel is a must-read and an important contribution to more recent postcolonial literature, coming from Pakistan, that speaks at length to the important theme of intergenerational trauma, diaspora and dislocation, and the themes of belonging. Although it is a YA novel, the beauty of author's writing is that she integrates urdu language into the novel giving it a unique style that follows in the footsteps of many South Asian diaspora novelists such as Bapsi Sidhwa, Shauna Singh Baldwin, Anita Desai, and so on.
As a feminist, I am drawn to the women in the novel, especially to both Misbah and Noor - they are strong, flawed, and human, and I am curious to see how their stories, in particular, will unfold in the narrative of the novel. As a part-time professor at Sacred Heart University, this novel will resonate a lot with undergraduates who want to learn about diverse cultures that weave the social fabric of the US and the South Asian diaspora community. I also find it heartening that the author explores difficult themes of addiction, gender-based violence, and Islamophobia. In the post -9/11 world we inhabit, these books are important for students and readers such that they learn of stories of American Muslims and their lives in the diaspora in this era. I love the cover and would love the opportunity to review and read this book!
As a feminist, I am drawn to the women in the novel, especially to both Misbah and Noor - they are strong, flawed, and human, and I am curious to see how their stories, in particular, will unfold in the narrative of the novel. As a part-time professor at Sacred Heart University, this novel will resonate a lot with undergraduates who want to learn about diverse cultures that weave the social fabric of the US and the South Asian diaspora community. I also find it heartening that the author explores difficult themes of addiction, gender-based violence, and Islamophobia. In the post -9/11 world we inhabit, these books are important for students and readers such that they learn of stories of American Muslims and their lives in the diaspora in this era. I love the cover and would love the opportunity to review and read this book!