Beneath My Mother's Feet

by Amjed (Qamar) McDonnell

Book Overview

"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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416947280
• ISBN13: 9781416947288
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Story for Mothers & Daughters

I will most definitely be saving this book for my daughter when she is a little older. I loved this book, and I loved Nazia -- the 14 year old girl who is forced to grow up way too early! I realize that this book is geared for twelve year olds and up; however, I think it a great read for grownups too (especially mothers.) BENEATH MY MOTHER'S FEET deals with issues that each and every mother must face -- wanting what you think is best for your child while also giving them the opportunity to make their own choices. I am just so impressed with Ms. Qamar as a writer. I can't believe this is her first book. BENEATH MY MOTHER'S FEET was so easy to read (I actually couldn't put it down and read it in one afternoon) and so well written. I was captivated by Nazia's story from the first few pages, and I was sad to see her story end. I would love to know what happens to her past the pages of the book. Not only was the story very intriguing, but the descriptions of Pakistan were incredible -- I could picture each and every scene. I found this book to be a beautiful coming-of-age story! At the beginning of the story, we see Nazia as a 14 year old girl with her life mapped out for her. She attends school with her friends and is expected to marry her cousin in the near future -- she leads a relatively normal, carefree life for a young Pakistani girl. One day her father is in a devastating accident, and her life is totally turned upside down. Her family is broke and hungry, and Nazia is forced to work as a maid to support her family. To make matters worse, the dowry that her mother has been saving for many years is stolen. Her entire future (and especially her arranged marriage) is now at-stake because her uncle finds this work completely unacceptable for his future daughter-in-law. At times, this story just broke my heart. I hated how quickly Nazia was forced to grow up and lose her youthful innocence. I also felt so much sympathy for Nazia's mother because she had to do anything and everything to take care of her young children. She too was forced into an awful situation as a maid, while also having to accept that her husband and son were of no help (and actually ending up doing more harm than good.) What I did love about this book was what Nazia ultimately learns about herself -- she finds that she is a strong, honorable girl who really does have some choices. She realizes that she has to be true to herself, no matter how difficult that choice proves to be. If you have a mother-daughter book club of 12 year olds and up, I can't recommend BENEATH MY MOTHER'S FEET enough. It has so many wonderful issues to discuss, especially the relationship between a mother and her children. There is already a great reading guide available to jump-start your discussion. In addition, there are some ideas for activities and research which will also enhance your child's reading experience. I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to read this book and discuss it with

Excellent Book For All Ages!

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!

Excellent Story

Nazia is a strong young woman who is teetering between loyalty to her family and loyalty to herself. Everyone disappoints her except her best-friend and, with much struggle, her mother. I hope Sherzad escaped to dadi's. Maybe his mom is to tight with her money to go after him. At least he knows that one person believes in him, Nazia. I hope there are more stories about the characters in this book.

A MUST READ FOR EVERY DAUGHTER!

This is a beautifully written tale of a young girl's struggle to help her family and find her own place in male and mother dominated Pakistan. While many of us will never actually know the hardships Nazia endured, Amjed Qamar's vivid descriptions and exquisite story telling bring us as close as possible. This is a truly touching story that all daughters should read.

Excellent Read

Beneath My Mother's Feet.Love a story that can vividly take you on location? This book will completely envelope every sense, to the point that you can smell the hint of mustard oil, feel the scorching sun of Karachi, Pakistan. This story completely pulls you into the life of Nazia and her family. An excellent read!