Good People by Patmeena Sabit is one of the most unique and thought-provoking books I’ve read in a while.
It’s written in a documentary style from numerous perspectives to build the story leading up to and after the death of eighteen-year-old Zorah.
Her death isn’t shown right away. Perspectives from her friends, family friends and neighbors slowly allude to something terrible happening. Her character is explored as both very Americanized but also very strictly adhering to her family’s rules. This ambiguity persists through the book.
Her parents moved to the United States as refugees and slowly built their lives in Virginia with support from a strong Afghan community. Her father, Sharaf, ended up becoming a wealthy businessman.
Eventually readers understand that she died in an accident weeks after returning home from living with a boyfriend – a shameful event to her family among their Afghanistan peers.
Events take a twist when evidence seems to point at her dad and older brother, Omer, as potential suspects in an honor killing. Her family comes under intense scrutiny. Islamophobia is explored through the media’s approach to her death. Lives are irrevocably changed in the aftermath of her death.
There is so much nuanced detail in this book. I found myself swaying back and forth with my opinion of what may have actually happened. The open car window is still nagging at me! It was a little tough figuring out the huge variety of character commentaries at first, but sticking with it was well worth it! I highly recommend this book!
