American Dervish

In American Dervish, first-time novelist, Ayad Akhtar, tells the story of a young American boy of Pakistani heritage growing up in the Midwest during the 1970s.

Our narrator, young Hayat Shah, is in love with his "Auntie" Mina:  a friend of his mother's who has escaped an abusive marriage in Pakistan to live with her young son in the Shah home.  During that time, she and Hayat develop a complex and endearing relationship that resembles many others:  mother-son, teacher-student, religious guide-follower.  Beautiful Mina is also an unknowing catalyst for young Hayat's budding, though innocent, sexuality.  Eventually, however, Mina meets and falls in love with Nathan, a friend of the Shah family.  According to religious law and the rules of her parents, Mina may not marry Nathan unless he converts from his long heritage of Judaism to the Muslim faith.  Is is this very circumstance, in addition to the subtle triangle between Mina, Nathan and Hayat, that sets up the heartbreaking events which follow.

American Dervish is a beautiful and beautifully rendered story that will leave your heart stuck in your throat in at least a few of the novel's scenes. Highly recommended.