A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

A Place for Us, is one of those quiet, beautiful books that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the last page.  Fatima Farheen Mirza creates characters that you can’t help but become invested in and care for.

A Place for Us is about an Indian family who is gathered together for the wedding of Hadia, oldest daughter to Rafiq and Layla.  As her sister Huda helps her prepare for the ceremony, Hadia is hopeful that her brother Amar will be in attendance.  After leaving the family three years ago, none of the family has seen or heard from him. A Place for Us tells the story of how the family got their start in the United States, what tore them apart, and what may hopefully bring them together.  We follow the family through joyful birthdays, trouble at school, the effects of 9/11 on a Muslim family, and how no matter how far you fall, your family is always there.  

Many parts of the story are retold in different points of view of each family member giving a complete view of each event.  What seemed as a betrayal to one was truly meant to be a well-meaning intervention.

I felt this book also showed how faith can cause such strife amongst a family, but also provide great comfort and stability at the same time.  How all families, regardless of religion, home state, or social status can have both joy and discord.

Tissue warning:  Part Four was brutal.  Beautifully brutal and the perfect ending, but I was a complete mess after reading it.  

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