The Lucky Ones: A Memoir

By Zara Chowdhary

Book Overview

A moving memoir by a survivor of anti-Muslim violence in contemporary India that delicately weaves political and family histories in a tribute to her country's unique Islamic heritage--"a must-read in our warring world today" (NPR)

"A harrowing survivor's tale, an important history lesson, and a desperate warning from someone who has seen the tragic effects of ethnic violence."--Time

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR - FINALIST FOR THE PEN/GALBRAITH AWARD FOR NONFICTION

In 2002, Zara Chowdhary is sixteen years old and living with her family in Ahmedabad, one of India's fastest-growing cities, when a gruesome train fire claims the lives of sixty Hindu right-wing volunteers and upends the life of five million Muslims. Instead of taking her school exams that week, Zara is put under a three-month siege, with her family and thousands of others fearing for their lives as Hindu neighbors, friends, and members of civil society transform overnight into bloodthirsty mobs, hunting and massacring their fellow citizens. The chief minister of the state at the time, Narendra Modi, will later be accused of fomenting the massacre, and yet a decade later, will rise to become India's prime minister, sending the "world's largest democracy" hurtling toward cacophonous Hindu nationalism.

The Lucky Ones traces the past of a multigenerational Muslim family to India's brave but bloody origins, a segregated city's ancient past, and the lingering hurt causing bloodshed on the streets. Symphonic interludes offer glimpses into the precious, ordinary lives of Muslims, all locked together in a crumbling apartment building in the city's old quarters, with their ability to forgive and find laughter, to offer grace even as the world outside, and their place in it, falls apart.

The Lucky Ones entwines lost histories across a subcontinent, examines forgotten myths, prods a family's secrets, and gazes unflinchingly back at a country rushing to move past the biggest pogrom in its modern history. It is a warning thrown to the world by a young survivor, to democracies that fail to protect their vulnerable, and to homes that won't listen to their daughters. It is an ode to the rebellion of a young woman who insists she will belong to her land, family, and faith on her own terms.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593727436
• ISBN13: 9780593727430
• Release Date: July 2024
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

important book

probably one of the most heart breaking yet expansive/life changing books i've read. opened me up to deeper understanding, compassion, and righteous anger. also helped clarify some intuitive feelings and give words to experiences i didn't have before reading. i feel most people can benefit from this book. it's absolutely horrifying leaving me with nightmares and waking up in the middle of the night wanting to hide this book and take a break to calm my nervous system and read something lighter. but there's something about the characters, the love and sweetness amidst the trauma that kept bringing me back. the personable rawness brought a true loyalty to finish and heal, open and expand. thank you for your bravery writing this, i pray this gem of a book reaches people who need it most. a return to love, a call for peace.