I have followed Ali Eteraz’s writing for a few years now. I enjoyed his blog, the diverse crowd of commentors it attracted and I have read quite a number of his articles in various publications. Muslim blogs during the Bush years were comfort through hard times.

I was wondering whether he would be able to pull-off a novel. In retrospect, there were hints of this novel, Children of Dust, for a couple of years. Some of his previous posts seem to align with this book.

50 pages in and I have to say, I think it is a really good. People like me who do not come from Muslim cultures will enjoy the vivid depiction of growing up Muslim with all the rich Islamic references: some a reflection of deep religious belief, others being sort of the Muslim equivalent of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. There are also lots of familiar Pakistani cultural references which I have wondered about. In a sense, you are immersed in a foreign culture, something I like. Those who grew up in Pakistan or other Muslim countries will probably feel like they are revisiting parts of their childhood. 

It is still in hard back but you can get a deal on Amazon. I bought it from a local bookstore because I like to support the local businesses, but bought another, to pass onto a friend, on Amazon for about 1/2 price.

The book moves along quickly with short focused chapters. I am definitely enjoying it.