Author: Mai Al-Nakib
Narrator: Leila Buck
Playtime: 12hrs 4m
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family
First published: April 12, 2022
Book Description: In 2013, Sara is a philosophy professor at Kuwait University, having returned to Kuwait from Berkeley in the wake of her mother's sudden death eleven years earlier. Her main companions are her grandmother's talking parrot, Bebe Mitu; the family cook, Aasif; and Maria, her childhood ayah and the one person who has always been there for her. Sara's relationship with Kuwait is complicated; it is a country she always thought she would leave, and a country she recognizes less and less, and yet a certain inertia keeps her there. But when teaching Nietzsche in her Intro to Philosophy course leads to an accusation of blasphemy, which carries with it the threat of execution, Sara realizes she must reconcile her feelings and her place in the world once and for all.
Interspersed with Sara's narrative are the stories of her grandmothers: beautiful and stubborn Yasmine, who marries the son of the Pasha of Basra and lives to regret it, and Lulwa, born poor in the old city of Kuwait, swept off her feet to an estate in India by the son of a successful merchant family; and her two mothers: Noura, who dreams of building a life in America and helping to shape its Mid-East policies, and Maria, who leaves her own children behind in Pune to raise Sara and her brother Karim and, in so doing, transforms many lives.
Review:
I recently read An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib and was deeply moved by the powerful story of the resilient women at the center of the novel. Their acts of kindness, sacrifice, compromise, and survival in a society that doesn't always support their choices are truly inspiring. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a moving and insightful look at the strength of women in the face of adversity.
This is told in several POVs that take place in a few timelines following different women connected to her. The present follows Sara’s arrest and preparation for defense as she awaits trial and the past that covers the history of her family through chapters devoted to the lives of the women of Sara’s family who preceded her – her grandmothers- Mama Yasmine and Mama Lulwa, her mother Noura and her ayah, Maria. These stories take us on a journey across multiple countries and continents, including Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, India, and the U.S. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of Sara's family history, but I also got a glimpse of the evolving political and societal landscape of Kuwait and the surrounding region throughout the years. It was truly a fascinating experience.
The writer's use of language is truly captivating and I found myself engrossed in the story right from the beginning. Also, I want to mention that the women are portrayed superbly.
As I read through the novel, I couldn't help but notice how the concept of home evolved for the characters. They all had their reasons for leaving their original homes and moving to different countries and continents. Some did it for political reasons, while others did it for personal reasons such as marriage, academic and professional pursuits, and familial obligations. It was interesting to see how their definition of home changed over time, as they adapted to their new surroundings and built new connections with the people around them. It made me reflect on my own experiences and how my definition of home has evolved over the years. As someone who has been moving every few years from cities and even to a different country, even if it was a temporary relocation. It does a great job to describe the mixed feelings one person can face when they find themselves in a place very different from where they grew up.
After moving to a new place, it's common to feel a sense of disconnection from our former life. Our characters often question their past decisions, successes, and failures, and ultimately struggle with accepting the negative emotions that can arise from challenging situations. It's not uncommon to feel regret, guilt, or discontent when faced with adversity.
I have to say, the author really managed to capture the essence of the historical, political, and societal influences that shaped the lives of the women in Sarah's world. It's amazing to see how these factors have left a lasting impact on generations of women, and how Sarah carries that legacy with her wherever she goes. Even though the women in Sarah's life are all so different, there are still similarities that tie them together. It's truly a testament to the power of history and culture, and how they shape our lives in ways we might not even realize.
This novel is definitely a must-read and I'm excited to see what this author has in store for us in the future.
This was used for challenges:
Around the world: Kuwait
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