“Children of Dust: A Memoir of Pakistan” by Ali Eteraz

Children of Dust: A Memoir of Pakistan by Ali Eteraz

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1st edition (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061567086
• ISBN-13: 978-0061567087
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.4 inches

Book Description: Ali Eteraz’s “Children of Dust” is a spellbinding portrayal of life that few Americans can imagine. From his schooling in a madrassa in Pakistan to his teenage years as a Muslim American in the Bible Belt, and back to Pakistan to find a pious Muslim wife, this lyrical, penetrating saga from a brilliant new literary voice captures the heart of our universal quest for identity. (Information from Amazon.com & FSB Media)

These phrases come to mind when I think of “Children of Dust” by Ali Eteraz: Enchanting. Thought provoking. Sad and yet hopeful. Rollercoaster. From the first page to the last page, I was not sure where Eteraz was taking me. And trust me it was a journey worth traveling.

The enchanting part were the descriptions of his life in detail the colors, the shabbiness of the old clothes, the scents surrounding his life. Eteraz’s words transported me into his world, and I felt a part of his life. His child’s eyes saw everything and with his eyes, I saw a life of poverty and yet full of love and joy at times. Ali’s eyes also saw great sadness and horrors that we in the West cannot imagine and gratefully so.

Through Ali’s eyes, I saw Islam. Ali saw both the Islam that is peaceful and an Islam that can be brutal. To read of a child learning Islam (the faith) was inspiring. To read of a child learning Islam (the religion) was saddening. I have to say some of the most violent parts were hard for me to read. In fact, I had to set the book aside and meditate. No one wants to read of abuse. However, read I did and I learned the difference between faith and religion.

Ali writes with a sense of humor and such openness that it is hard to believe he has seen many acts of violence in his life. He gives everyday people another reason to believe to know, they have a voice and have a right to live in peace.

During his metamorphoses, the book was hard to follow. It seemed Ali had lost his focus. Wouldn’t you and I lose some focus while changing? We would. The one thing that remained was his love for Islam.

Thank you, Caitlin of FSB Media, for this review copy and one giveaway copy. Also, thank you, Ali, for writing such a thought-provoking book I have a new regard for the people of Pakistan.