This novel follows two Muslim families who immigrated to the San Francisco from Islamic countries. Anvar Faris’ family left Karachi, Pakistan in the mid-1990s when fundamentalism begins to take over their country. Safwa, a young girl living in war-torn Baghdad, Iraq, illegally escapes with her father to the United States.
Anvar’s mother is a deeply devout Muslim, but his father is more laid-back. Anvar’s mother and older brother easily settle into California and into its Muslim community. His father, however, finds the community a bit more difficult. All is well until 9-11. Anvar’s brother is the “good” Muslim in the family. He goes to mosque, prays five times a day, doesn’t smoke or drink and becomes engaged to a women chosen by his parents. Anvar, however, it the “bad” Muslim. He drinks, sleeps with women and goes to mosque only when his mother insists.
In college, Anvar meets and falls in love with Zuha Shah. Although they part ways, Anvar never stops loving her. He isn’t as religious as Zuha and settles for being a “bad” Muslim.
Meanwhile, Safwa is living with an abusive father and confined to her house in Baghdad. Her father then was abducted by Americans during the Iraq War, and she was left along with her brother who was dying of a terminal illness. As the war drew closer to her home, she was forced to flee to Basra. Ultimately her father was released, and they were reunited. His abuse, however, continued. Enter Oais, an evil villager. He offers Safwa and her father an opportunity to escape to the United States, but at a terrible price.
Safwa and her father begin a new life with new names in San Francisco. Safwa is now known as Azza. As it happens, they live in the same apartment building as Anvar. The landlord has a tender heart and gives people in need what he calls a “good Muslim discount” on the rent. Anvar and Azza begin a relationship, but from her perspective, it is a way to escape the violence inflicted upon her by her father.
This novel explores faith and geopolitical issues through the eyes of the lens of Muslim Americans. The author points out that Muslims have been a part of American fabric throughout the history’s country.
I loved this novel.
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