Friday, October 17, 2008

THE GIRL FROM FOREIGN : A SEARCH FOR SHIPWRECKED ANCESTORS, FORGOTTEN HISTORIES, AND A SENSE OF HOME
by Sadia Shepard

Half-Muslim, half-Christian, Sadia Shepard grew up in Boston, the daughter of a Protestant father from Colorado and a Pakistani mother. Her parents had plenty of stories to tell her about their backgrounds and customs. But, her maternal grandmother's legacy was the most complex. She was not Muslim, but had started her life as Rachel Jacobs, descending from the Bene Israel, one of the lost tribes of Israel, who were shipwrecked in India thousands of years ago. Before her grandmother dies, Sadia promises her that she will travel to India to learn about her ancestors.
Armed with film equipment, she takes off for Bombay.
The Girl from Foreign is a fascinating tale of three cultures. Shepard, seamlessly, weaves together the story of her grandparents' secret marriage and a little-known Jewish community. At the same time, she is trying to discover where she, herself, belongs.
I absolutely loved this book. It is so beautifully written. From the prologue to the end, you are swept away into its clutches.
Very highly recommended.