The Elegies of the Homeland

A family drama and social essay about people searching for their place in the country they call home. Ayad Akhtar is the son of Pakistani immigrants born in the USA. He, his father, and their numerous relatives and acquaintances studied, worked, made friends, built plans, and felt quite American, but on one unfortunate September morning, everything collapsed. This is their story: of those who left, those who embraced Christianity, and those who stayed to selflessly fight against stereotypes. An immigrant saga unlike any other, unique in its richness, resourcefulness, and intellect. It is undoubtedly the book of the year. — O, The Oprah Magazine The essence of this charged, electrifying story — a mix of 1001 Nights and reality show — lies in the passionate, poignant description of Americans who were suddenly exiled and became outsiders. — Jennifer Egan, Manhattan Beach The Elegies of the Homeland are dedicated to those ambiguous moments that simply did not exist within the framework of public discourse after the events of September eleventh. The author has very accurately pinpointed the most painful spots that have remained with us since then. — New York Times Book Review This intimate intertwining of prose and memoir exposes the broken heart of the American dream, transformed into a nightmarish reality show, and very precisely shows how we arrived at what we have become and at what cost. — Amy M. Homes, May We Be Forgiven