Helpful Score: 1
This is a great novel, no matter the age of the author or how many book's she's written. You can see, hear and feel what the characters feel and what they think. Just like being right next to them! I love the back-and-forth timeline so that all is not revealed chronologically, but as it relates to where the character is in age, in maturity, in life events. A perfect combination of all the nuances within a close family while trying to assimilate while keeping the essence of a culture alive and a priority.
What I appreciate about A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza is that it writes about an Indian American Muslim family not as a statement on the American diaspora, the immigrant experience, or diversity but just as a family that is part of the fabric of America. This nation is a melting pot with diverse traditions reflecting diverse backgrounds. Yet, at the end of the day, parents, children, and families face so many of the same challenges and struggles no matter what the cultural background. It seems obvious when stated, but so often, as readers and as people, we look for the differences rather than the commonalities. So, kudos to SJP for Hogarth and Ms. Mirza for presenting the story of an American family.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/a-place-for-us.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/08/a-place-for-us.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.