Ask Me No Questions, by Marina Budhos, is a deeply moving, thought provoking novel about a family of immigrants from Bangladesh who are illegal alliens in the U.S. after the 9/11 attacks. As the story opens, fourteen year old Nadira's family is traveling to Canada seeking asylum. They came to America on a travel visa, had a difficult time with a corrupt lawyer who "incorrectly" filed their immigration paperwork, and never left. Living on an expired visa, Nadira's father has been detained at the border and the rest of the family is struggling to survive, living on a daily basis not knowing if they will remain in the country or be summarily deported.
What is most striking about Ask Me No Questions is that it depicts, without prejudice, a family that could be any family. Nadira is the youngest daughter, struggling with her place in the family and somewhat of a loner at school. Her older sister Aisha, the "smart" daughter, adapted to life in America swiftly becoming one of the "in" crowd at school. Each girl lives in constant fear of being exposed at school and must constantly balance their daily life with family secrets. Nadira's extended family includes aunts, uncles, and cousins who all respond differently to the changing political landscape and public opinion of immigrants during this volatile time. Readers are given a personal glimpse into one family's nightmare existence as they struggle with politics, bureaucracy, lawyers, and judges, all to find a place to call home.
There is a good reason this is one of the 2007 Best Book for Young Adults. It may change what you think, or what you think you know, about this issue.
Tags: Marina Budhos, Ask Me No Questions, YA Literature, YA fiction, Best Books for Young Adults
No comments:
Post a Comment