Today I read another long awaited book Jasmine In The Wind by Ayesha Desai.
Jasmine In The Wind is a quick read. It is a story of a little girl from Syria.
Author - Ayesha DesaiCover art by Jenny ReynishPublishers - Prolance
This 40 page novel clearly expresses the feeling of a refugee. This young adult fiction is all about the challenges, trials, and unending optimism and strength of a young Syrian refugee. We all are aware of what is happening in Syria and Jasmine In The Wind allows us to peek in one of their lives.
The story follows a young Syrian girl, Afraa and her harrowing journey to safety and freedom. Whilst she learns to love her new home, a part of her heart will always be buried in the roots of the jasmine bush outside her parent’s room window in Syria.
‘… Nostalgia is smelling the scent of Jasmine in the florist shop, and remembering the great bush of white flowers outside her parent’s room window, that fragrance that danced in the night breeze, and carried with it the sweet possibility of hope.’
About the Author - This is Ayesha Desai’s debut novel. We get to see her love and passion for things close to her heart. Ayesha is passionate about reading and this has evolved into a love of writing. Whilst this is her first published book, she has been writing for the last 20 years, and blogging since 2013. She lives in South Africa.
Ayesha's narration is beautiful and emotional. I loved her writing style. With each words, she has painted the picture of the challenges that every Syrians face and, I was moved by the entire story.
Jasmine in the Wind
is a touching tale of Afraa who was traveling out of Syria. It is all about her journey and how she deals with her situation. She was safe in another land but there was a hollow in her heart, as she misses her home. Far away from her home, being a refugee in another country, she was trying to accommodate while she still longed for the scent of her home. Also she never missed an opportunity to educate herself and to make a better tomorrow. This short novel is a nice read.I particularly loved the poem in the end.
....Tell me whirling swirling wind
Do you carry messages across the lands?Can you take my Salaam to Aleppo and Homs?Can you take my prayers to Gaza?Can you convey my solidarity to Myanmar?Can you tell the world we care....The story ends with hope and it is the beginning of a new life. The story and the poetry both poignant and touching.
Jasmine In The Wind is a heartwarming tale and it is sure worth the read.
Buy this book at Amazon India