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Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan
Brick Walls: Tales of Hope and Courage from Pakistan is a heartwarming collection of short stories filled with larger-than-life characters and the seemingly impossible challenges they face. You will be captivated by these fictional depictions of everyday Pakistanis who struggle with poverty, violence, corruption and abuse, yet rise from the ashes stronger and more enduring. There is Asma the lackluster seamstress, Faisal the would-be terrorist, Javed Gul the Pushto rock singer, Farzana the cantankerous grandmother, Nida the ten-year-old girl with a cricket obsession, and many more. Together they form a rich mosaic that showcases the beauty of Pakistan, her culture and her people.
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2015
4 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Saadia Faruqi
151 books496 followersSaadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 16, 2016
Although I enjoyed the first story in this collection, I felt that the author-voice was intrusive, pushing her agenda just a little too hard, defining the feelings and meanings in play too tightly. It’s an agenda I support, but the effect is still a little uncomfortable.
However, as I journeyed through the book, I changed my feelings towards it, I got cosy, and I got to like it. The characters are likeable and the scenarios varied. Personally, I found it quite conservative in outlook, for example quite a few stories rely on the benevolence of the powerful to create positive change. But perhaps that’s appropriate, since the power in question includes the money to buy books and the education to read them. The story ‘Making the Team’, about a girl who uses smarts, hard work and creativity to overcome the discrimination that keeps her from playing cricket with the boys, makes use of another conservative idea; that you can get ahead if you just try harder.
Regardless of my (probably ignorant) objections, I enjoyed these carefully imagined and polished stories, which certainly felt believeable to me.
However, as I journeyed through the book, I changed my feelings towards it, I got cosy, and I got to like it. The characters are likeable and the scenarios varied. Personally, I found it quite conservative in outlook, for example quite a few stories rely on the benevolence of the powerful to create positive change. But perhaps that’s appropriate, since the power in question includes the money to buy books and the education to read them. The story ‘Making the Team’, about a girl who uses smarts, hard work and creativity to overcome the discrimination that keeps her from playing cricket with the boys, makes use of another conservative idea; that you can get ahead if you just try harder.
Regardless of my (probably ignorant) objections, I enjoyed these carefully imagined and polished stories, which certainly felt believeable to me.
August 26, 2015
A well-written and moving book where Saadia takes us behind the stereotypical walls of modern day Pakistan. A country that has been under the spotlight for many years, due to the war on terrorism, however with still many people not knowing about the everyday life that Pakistani citizens face.
Saadia paves the way for readers to have a glimpse of what it may be like, where she constructs characters in seven short stories from different backgrounds ranging from the young to old, male to female, secular to conservative. They're all characters with different backstories but with an underlying bond where they all are striving to survive in a country that they all love.
Saadia paves the way for readers to have a glimpse of what it may be like, where she constructs characters in seven short stories from different backgrounds ranging from the young to old, male to female, secular to conservative. They're all characters with different backstories but with an underlying bond where they all are striving to survive in a country that they all love.
February 19, 2016
Full review can be found at my blog: http://readdiversebooks.com/review-br...
Mini Review: A moving collection of stories with universal themes that reflect the tragedies, flaws, talents, hopes, and ambitions of Pakistan’s people.
Mini Review: A moving collection of stories with universal themes that reflect the tragedies, flaws, talents, hopes, and ambitions of Pakistan’s people.
June 24, 2015
This outstanding first fiction both entertains and informs. Its seven short stories provide a glimpse into an often-stereotyped part of the world. It shows us a culture that is surprisingly diverse, with characters whose experiences are unique, but whose emotions are universal. The many issues raised will make this book an excellent choice for book club discussions.
June 11, 2015
Brick Walls is a series of short stories that provides readers with a view of the Pakistani society. With each new story, Faruqi proves that she is an adept author, able to bring to the pages a rainbow of Pakistani experiences. Some stories paint the sad reality with strokes which compel empathy into the hearts of readers, while other stories brighten us, even eliciting a few laughs.
All of the characters in this book – no matter how unrelated – share one important characteristic: love of their country. Their sense of home and belonging, along with the sights, smells and sounds which jump from the pages, instill in the reader a desire to visit Pakistan, to discover what it is about this land that charms its people so. Each tale is a lure, drawing us into the lives of its characters; when the story is finished, we are left yearning for more, yearning to follow these characters beyond the pages of the book.
A celebration of the frailties and victories of life, Brick Walls is a testament to Faruqi’s unmitigated talent. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
All of the characters in this book – no matter how unrelated – share one important characteristic: love of their country. Their sense of home and belonging, along with the sights, smells and sounds which jump from the pages, instill in the reader a desire to visit Pakistan, to discover what it is about this land that charms its people so. Each tale is a lure, drawing us into the lives of its characters; when the story is finished, we are left yearning for more, yearning to follow these characters beyond the pages of the book.
A celebration of the frailties and victories of life, Brick Walls is a testament to Faruqi’s unmitigated talent. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
July 7, 2016
At first, I picked up this book because it piqued my interest. It purports to offer a glimpse of ordinary people who live beneath the veneer of our perceptions fostered by media and politics.
I was not disappointed. I hesitate to use the word 'charming' in the same sentence as I speak about these deeply emotive stories, because they are not winsical or superficial. Each short tale is a glimpse into the life of an individual living in a country so often misunderstood. Faruqi paints an unsuspected world, offering details of the struggles and joys of people from every class of Pakistani society--rich and privileged or poor and in want of basic life needs.
My only complaint of this wonderful collection by Faruqi is that the stories often ended before I was ready to let go of the characters. I wanted to know more, and wanted to continue to experience their perspective.
All in all, this is a fantastic compilation, and one I recommend to all readers. It provides a much-needed alternative to the terse narrative of the international focus or other sources too often tinged with nationalistic agendas. This is the power of fiction.
I was not disappointed. I hesitate to use the word 'charming' in the same sentence as I speak about these deeply emotive stories, because they are not winsical or superficial. Each short tale is a glimpse into the life of an individual living in a country so often misunderstood. Faruqi paints an unsuspected world, offering details of the struggles and joys of people from every class of Pakistani society--rich and privileged or poor and in want of basic life needs.
My only complaint of this wonderful collection by Faruqi is that the stories often ended before I was ready to let go of the characters. I wanted to know more, and wanted to continue to experience their perspective.
All in all, this is a fantastic compilation, and one I recommend to all readers. It provides a much-needed alternative to the terse narrative of the international focus or other sources too often tinged with nationalistic agendas. This is the power of fiction.
December 10, 2018
This collection of short stories will give you something rare in Western literature about Southeast Asia - Authenticity. Faruqi's perspective is something sorely lacking in the media we consume about Pakistan. Each story is not only expertly written, but each character and local is treated with tenderness, compassion, and understanding. It is a true work of empathy, and the reality you experience is very near to the everyday people who live these lives.
I've been in India 3 years, and albeit the political tension, there is much cultural similarity between the two nations. Reading Faruqi's work reminded me of the small graces and trials that are evident this side of the border as well.
For anyone interested in the world, in our common humanity, or in hope, I highly suggest this collection. You won't be disappointed!
I've been in India 3 years, and albeit the political tension, there is much cultural similarity between the two nations. Reading Faruqi's work reminded me of the small graces and trials that are evident this side of the border as well.
For anyone interested in the world, in our common humanity, or in hope, I highly suggest this collection. You won't be disappointed!
May 13, 2016
Saadia has given us a true gift. She has given us our humanity back by showing us the humanity of others.
Her stories reflect the lives we'd live if we were her characters. Actually, they tell the stories of the lives we already do live. What's extraordinary about her stories is that it remains impossible to think of people as somehow different, or other than us.
There is no more us and them, only Us. This is the exact message our world so desperately needs. And she is creating empathy where before there was only fear.
I laughed, I paused to reflect, I marveled at her quality writing and wit. I wanted for myself and my kids the same thing her characters long for.
I'm thankful I read Brick Walls, and believe you will be too.
Marty troyer
Author, The Gospel Next Door
Her stories reflect the lives we'd live if we were her characters. Actually, they tell the stories of the lives we already do live. What's extraordinary about her stories is that it remains impossible to think of people as somehow different, or other than us.
There is no more us and them, only Us. This is the exact message our world so desperately needs. And she is creating empathy where before there was only fear.
I laughed, I paused to reflect, I marveled at her quality writing and wit. I wanted for myself and my kids the same thing her characters long for.
I'm thankful I read Brick Walls, and believe you will be too.
Marty troyer
Author, The Gospel Next Door
March 23, 2016
There are few works of fiction in English that tell the story of everyday life in Pakistan. Saadia Faruqi has filled the gap with this collection of short stories. From an inexpert seamstress trying to make enough money to heal her sick son, to a Pakistani politician's daughter living the high life until she is forced to escape an arranged marriage, to a rapper falling in love with the journalist who is interviewing him about his poverty-stricken childhood, she lays out her tales one by one, like strips of cloth. Put together, they give us a sense of the whole fabric.
January 18, 2016
These short stories present people of all ages in a variety of walks of life in modern day Pakistan. Though there are cultural touch-points that may not resonate with everyone, there is a wonderful sense of universality to the characters' inner thoughts and motivations. Faruqi brings the characters to life with strong voices, speaking out (or just thinking against) systemic issues of misogyny, poverty, and inequities in the criminal justice system, among others. Giving insight into experiences that may be completely foreign to some readers, Faruqi doesn't sugar-coat nor demand understanding or sympathy, but simply presents individuals and their stories with a clear voice.
August 8, 2015
Saadia did a great job weaving stories from different perspectives within Pakistan. From the less fortunate to those most fortunate. She helped me open my eyes that although one lives in a Muslim country, there are still trials and tribulations one may have regarding religion and family. I love how she had one item that was an important piece throughout each short story. I highly recommend this story for all.
June 19, 2016
A wonderful selection of short stories by Saadia Faruqi identifying many struggles and triumphs of daily life in Pakistan. Quite a breath of fresh air from the constant media narratives of Pakistan, yet still acknowledging the prevalent problems in society. Encouraging, eye-opening, and highly recommended.
August 15, 2015
Good to meet Saadia Faruqi at her reading at Kramerbooks in DC. So happy to get to read stories of people in Pakistan. Thanks to Shahina for letting us know about this,
December 17, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. These short stories were wonderfully written and actually full of hope and courage. The ages of the characters ranged from young to old.
February 2, 2016
Read my review here!
http://www.new-asian-writing.com/book...
http://www.new-asian-writing.com/book...
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February 6, 2016Pakistani American author, Saadia Faruqi, wanted to convey a different image of her native land than the one that predominates in Western media. As she says in her introduction to her short story collection, Brick Walls:
“Yes, the poverty is deplorable, the politicians are corrupt, and religious strife is troubling. But it is also a nation full of kind-hearted individuals struggling to make their society better with optimism and resolve. That’s the Pakistan I want people to know about.”
The result is seven stories that take the reader through different strata of Pakistan society, from Lubna, a domestic cook battling a false accusation of theft and Asma, a single mother struggling to pay for medicine for her sick child, to Rabia, a wealthy young woman courting her brother’s disapproval by helping out at a clinic in the poorest part of town. There’s Farzana, a mother of grown up children living abroad who must come to terms with her changed life, and Faisal, disappointed in love, whose broken heart leads him into the company of extremists.
Two characters who beguiled and surprised me were Nida, a nine year old girl determined to prove herself worthy to play street cricket along with the boys, and Javed Gul, a rapper carving out a career in a district where, until recently, the Taliban banned all music.
The stories do not shirk to address poverty, extremism and corruption, but they brim with life and hope. In other hands, Rabia’s story could have fallen into the stereotype of a Muslim woman controlled by her family, yet Faruqi delivers an ending that is neither predictable nor saccharine.
If you want to learn about the real Pakistan behind the headlines, this is a good place to start.
“Yes, the poverty is deplorable, the politicians are corrupt, and religious strife is troubling. But it is also a nation full of kind-hearted individuals struggling to make their society better with optimism and resolve. That’s the Pakistan I want people to know about.”
The result is seven stories that take the reader through different strata of Pakistan society, from Lubna, a domestic cook battling a false accusation of theft and Asma, a single mother struggling to pay for medicine for her sick child, to Rabia, a wealthy young woman courting her brother’s disapproval by helping out at a clinic in the poorest part of town. There’s Farzana, a mother of grown up children living abroad who must come to terms with her changed life, and Faisal, disappointed in love, whose broken heart leads him into the company of extremists.
Two characters who beguiled and surprised me were Nida, a nine year old girl determined to prove herself worthy to play street cricket along with the boys, and Javed Gul, a rapper carving out a career in a district where, until recently, the Taliban banned all music.
The stories do not shirk to address poverty, extremism and corruption, but they brim with life and hope. In other hands, Rabia’s story could have fallen into the stereotype of a Muslim woman controlled by her family, yet Faruqi delivers an ending that is neither predictable nor saccharine.
If you want to learn about the real Pakistan behind the headlines, this is a good place to start.
July 2, 2016
I enjoyed these inspiring short stories about people living in Pakistan. I liked learning about the culture, and I liked that these stories were uplifting and focused on people doing good and overcoming challenges.
November 19, 2015
3.5 stars
March 28, 2016
This is a collection of heartfelt everyday stories, not censored media stories. This is a collection of characters with morals, who seek honest connections and realizations. It can be hard and dangerous to try to escape your life, and nearly impossible when you are alone. In these stories, someone always comes along to make a change, for better or worse. Saadia Faruqi does a marvellous job interweaving several stories into one, seven times over, to capture a true-to-life image of the diverse and often misunderstood country of Pakistan.
People are human, no matter where they live. They don’t always give because they want to – they give because they are expected to, because they have to, because they can. Some bad people give and some good people don’t, although Faruqi’s characters cannot really be simplified as bad or good. Motivations can be a combination of societal and charitable.
Reality is not a fairy tale, even when some people seem miraculously lucky. Love can mean very little when there is no money or social class with which to build a family. Sometimes you think you have a foundation, like the university graduate Faisal, but someone better can often be found. Sometimes when people move up or down, like Rabia, they are not sure they deserve it. It is uncomfortable to cross class lines. And, no matter who she is, every woman can be a “prisoner of her own situation.”
Women aren’t born experts at what gender roles demand of them. Women end up taking the fall for their own faults and for the faults of men, evidenced by Asma, a terrible aspiring seamstress who interacts too intensely with a married male customer. Generational differences are not always as stereotypically expected, either. A female child Nida does everything for permission to play cricket. An older woman, Farzana, defends a deceased abusive husband, but doesn’t understand how her daughter is such a lazy homebody without hobbies. Family is important and managed in different ways, based in both culture and personality, and sometimes only pulls together with warmth in dire circumstances. Yet family is thoughtfully extended in these stories of Pakistan, with neighbors on an entire street being wholly involved in each other’s problems and celebrations.
Faruqi’s stories contain their fair share of heartache, because there are so many missed opportunities – education, love, jobs, happiness. But many opportunities are seized as well, and many are courageously created against all odds. The thematic question “what is enough” finds a reassuring answer in these pages – you, this, life is enough as it is. You are never too poor or too rich, too young or too old, too lost or too confident, to start a new way of life, and that is a relentlessly optimistic message to spread.
People are human, no matter where they live. They don’t always give because they want to – they give because they are expected to, because they have to, because they can. Some bad people give and some good people don’t, although Faruqi’s characters cannot really be simplified as bad or good. Motivations can be a combination of societal and charitable.
Reality is not a fairy tale, even when some people seem miraculously lucky. Love can mean very little when there is no money or social class with which to build a family. Sometimes you think you have a foundation, like the university graduate Faisal, but someone better can often be found. Sometimes when people move up or down, like Rabia, they are not sure they deserve it. It is uncomfortable to cross class lines. And, no matter who she is, every woman can be a “prisoner of her own situation.”
Women aren’t born experts at what gender roles demand of them. Women end up taking the fall for their own faults and for the faults of men, evidenced by Asma, a terrible aspiring seamstress who interacts too intensely with a married male customer. Generational differences are not always as stereotypically expected, either. A female child Nida does everything for permission to play cricket. An older woman, Farzana, defends a deceased abusive husband, but doesn’t understand how her daughter is such a lazy homebody without hobbies. Family is important and managed in different ways, based in both culture and personality, and sometimes only pulls together with warmth in dire circumstances. Yet family is thoughtfully extended in these stories of Pakistan, with neighbors on an entire street being wholly involved in each other’s problems and celebrations.
Faruqi’s stories contain their fair share of heartache, because there are so many missed opportunities – education, love, jobs, happiness. But many opportunities are seized as well, and many are courageously created against all odds. The thematic question “what is enough” finds a reassuring answer in these pages – you, this, life is enough as it is. You are never too poor or too rich, too young or too old, too lost or too confident, to start a new way of life, and that is a relentlessly optimistic message to spread.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews