Dear Prophet

by Ali M. Ansari

Dear Prophet-A Woman's Story by debut fiction author Ali Ansari is a Muslim woman's story and her reflections on the existential questions, "the meaning of a woman's life and the meaning of meaning". In her letters to the founder of her religion, the Prophet Mohammed, the panorama of her life and that of her young son, Hamid unfold. Hamid is missing and while Zarina searches for him she is also looking to understand many things. The narration describe a convoluted chain of events as they move from India to Germany, Lebanon and the United States, ending up in Colorado, where Hamid undergoes the transformation. A page-turner that is intriguing and philosophical at the same time, the story ends in a remarkable set of events as both Hamid and Zarina, in their separate ways, reach a final bend that brings into sight the destination each had sought without knowing it.

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2012

About the author

Ali Massoud Ansari is professor of Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He is the founder of the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Reviews

[Swami Lalitananda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really good read for several reasons, among which are the fact that although the author is a man, he has a unique ability to capture the emotions and mindset of a woman as she searches throughout the world for her son who has gone underground. In addition, he has the same sensitivity to capture the mindset and emotions of the young man as he proceeds on his own individual spiritual journey. The story was very realistic and engaging, and the end was amazing...only someone who has personally gone through such a deep spiritual experience could possibly describe it...which gives us some good insight into Mr. Ali Ansari's own spiritual journey.

[Tabish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A philosophical journey into the mind of a woman struggling to make sense of the world, its various laws and their relationship with an individual. Deeply surreal and revealing, dialogues are truly engaging. With the trope of epistles the author has effectively brought forth all the questions that plague a thinking believer. Spraying of quotes and contexts from Robert Pirsig, Khalil Gibran and elaborate discussion on koyaanisqatsi and zen makes the read enjoyable and uplifting. It's a must read for those who take interest in fictions full of philosophical questions.

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to read a storyline which touches the heart. I read this book, to see how its going to be different, after attending a session of author in a bookstore. The narration style of a woman who lives abroad with a son. How she writes letters regarding her state of mind. One needs to really be serious to read. Good one to read.