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Beneath My Mother's Feet

by Amjed Qamar

Beneath My Mother's Feet Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

"Our lives will always be in the hands of our mothers, whether we like it or not."

Nazia doesn't mind when her friends tease and call her a good beti, a dutiful daughter. Growing up in a working-class family in Karachi, Pakistan, Nazia knows that obedience is the least she can give to her mother, who has spent years saving and preparing for her dowry. But every daughter must grow up, and for fourteen-year-old Nazia that day arrives suddenly when her father gets into an accident at work, and her family finds themselves without money for rent or food.

Being the beti that she is, Nazia drops out of school to help her mother clean houses, all the while wondering when she managed to lose control of her life that had been full of friends and school. Working as a maid is a shameful obligation that could be detrimental to her future — after all, no one wants a housekeeper for a daughter-in-law. As Nazia finds herself growing up much too quickly, the lessons of hardship that seem unbearable turn out to be a lot more liberating than she ever imagined.

Synopsis:

Fourteen-year-old Nazia is an average Pakistani girl--until her father is injured and cannot work. Nazia is forced to drop out of school to become a maid. This shameful choice could be detrimental to her future, and she finds herself growing up much too quickly.

About the Author

Amjed Qamar graduated from The Ohio State University with degrees in English and psychology. She currently resides in Ohio and works for the Dublin City School District. Amjed lived in Pakistan for several years and returns regularly. This is her first book.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
nataliesears, July 17, 2008 (view all comments by nataliesears)
Although this book is for young adult readers, I (an adult) read this book in almost one sitting and was completely carried away by the story. Ms Qamar writes in such a way that draws you in and gives you a snapshot of life in a Pakistani town. You gain a better understanding of their culture, their deep loyalty to family and their everyday ways of life. You'll instantly fall in love with the main charachter, Nazia, who is just a young girl enjoying school, friends, her family and the every day perils and adventures of growing up. That is until her mother takes her out of school so she can help earn money for the family. What Nazia experiences teaches her many things, tests her own loyalty to her family and teaches her how to deal with personal struggles. Days after reading this book, I was still thinking about Nazia and all that she experienced. This is definitely a must read for all age groups!
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Product Details

ISBN:
9781416947288
Author:
Qamar, Amjed
Publisher:
Atheneum Books
Subject:
Poverty
Subject:
Sex role
Subject:
Family - Multigenerational
Subject:
Girls & Women
Subject:
Religious - Other
Subject:
Family
Publication Date:
June 2008
Binding:
Hardcover
Grade Level:
Young adult
Language:
English
Pages:
198
Dimensions:
8.25 x 5.5 in
Age Level:
12-12

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