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Orphan of Islam
At just twelve years old, Alexander Khan was taken to Pakistan and left in the care of a strict religious family. What followed was a childhood shaped by isolation, fear, and the constant struggle to belong.
From the dusty streets of northern Pakistan to the cold estates of northern England, Alexander’s journey is one of endurance, identity, and the ache of abandonment.
Orphan of Islam is a powerful true story about a boy who refused to give up — a story of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight to reclaim a life stolen from him.
From the dusty streets of northern Pakistan to the cold estates of northern England, Alexander’s journey is one of endurance, identity, and the ache of abandonment.
Orphan of Islam is a powerful true story about a boy who refused to give up — a story of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight to reclaim a life stolen from him.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2012
54 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Khan
15 books20 followersAlexander Khan is a British-born writer, former British soldier, and passionate storyteller whose memoirs delve into the raw terrain of identity, loss, and the long road to healing. Born in Scotland to a Pakistani father and an English mother, his early life was marked by displacement, cultural conflict, and the silent struggle of living between two worlds.
His debut memoir, Orphan of Islam (HarperCollins, 2012), broke new ground by giving voice to a story few dared to tell. Deeply personal and powerfully honest, it struck a chord with readers from all walks of life and continues to resonate to this day.
Now based in Hampshire with his wife and son, Alexander divides his time between writing, public speaking, and advocacy. A qualified skydiver with over 3,000 jumps and an avid fisherman, he has been featured in Soldier magazine and has shared his story across international platforms, including BBC World Service, BBC Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Asian Network, as well as numerous podcasts.
Alexander remains committed to telling stories that challenge assumptions, spark conversation, and explore what it means to belong.
His debut memoir, Orphan of Islam (HarperCollins, 2012), broke new ground by giving voice to a story few dared to tell. Deeply personal and powerfully honest, it struck a chord with readers from all walks of life and continues to resonate to this day.
Now based in Hampshire with his wife and son, Alexander divides his time between writing, public speaking, and advocacy. A qualified skydiver with over 3,000 jumps and an avid fisherman, he has been featured in Soldier magazine and has shared his story across international platforms, including BBC World Service, BBC Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Asian Network, as well as numerous podcasts.
Alexander remains committed to telling stories that challenge assumptions, spark conversation, and explore what it means to belong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 2, 2016
I didn't like Orphan of Islam at all. How it can be compared to The Kite Runner is beyond me.
Orphan of Islam is simply a list of things happening to a child who has no idea what is going on, takes no decisions about anything and has zero impact on his life whatsoever (except at one point near the end).
All the characters are one-dimensional, and there's absolutely nobody to relate yourself to since the book entirely lacks any emotion or goal.
The account of the nation of Pakistan in the book seems to be a single minded attempt to highlight the worst of the worst aspects of it. If your only idea about life in Pakistan is this book (and perhaps some Western media) you will see it as a torturous, Medieval desert inhabited solely by uneducated, overly religious savages. Moreover, the description of the Pakistani immigrant population in England is one of a terrible group of extremists (which is dangerous and demagoguish, if you ask me).
Having lived and worked in Pakistan on and off the past eight years, I cannot stress hard enough that there's a whole other story to be told too.
Overall, the book is not worth your time. The image painted of islam and Pakistan is a terrible one and the story in itself is not compelling.
Orphan of Islam is simply a list of things happening to a child who has no idea what is going on, takes no decisions about anything and has zero impact on his life whatsoever (except at one point near the end).
All the characters are one-dimensional, and there's absolutely nobody to relate yourself to since the book entirely lacks any emotion or goal.
The account of the nation of Pakistan in the book seems to be a single minded attempt to highlight the worst of the worst aspects of it. If your only idea about life in Pakistan is this book (and perhaps some Western media) you will see it as a torturous, Medieval desert inhabited solely by uneducated, overly religious savages. Moreover, the description of the Pakistani immigrant population in England is one of a terrible group of extremists (which is dangerous and demagoguish, if you ask me).
Having lived and worked in Pakistan on and off the past eight years, I cannot stress hard enough that there's a whole other story to be told too.
Overall, the book is not worth your time. The image painted of islam and Pakistan is a terrible one and the story in itself is not compelling.
August 10, 2015
It has been a long time since I read a book that was moving and touching, which is why I find myself at a loss for words. If I am to sum up Orphan of Islam in two words, I would say that the book is a sad beauty. A sad beauty that made me contemplate about Islam more than what I do on a normal basis. A reflective, deep and raw story, this book has instantly and easily found a place in my heart, right alongside marvels like The Kite Runner and The Almond Tree.
We all know what a brave soul Malala is. What she did, continues to do and will eventually do is admirable. If you like Malala, you will love Mohammed. He was a brave child who went through something that no adult, let alone child, should ever go through. I admired his courage and determination for never once did he accept what was thrown his way without questioning and reasoning- albeit in his own head- why it was being thrown his way. What I admired most about him was his righteousness, even when all his religion and his people gave him was harm and hurt. Never once did I pity this innocent child, but I only respected and valued his spirit throughout the length of the book.
A beautiful story of an innocent child, an imposing religion, two interesting cultures and two idyllic countries, Orphan of Islam is a sad story about impressive character development which is what made the book really amazing for me. There are books in which characters are on the last page just the way they were on the first page. And then there are books like Orphan of Islam that show intense and incredible personal change. Mohammed grew so much as a man and as a human over the span of the book that it was hard yet amazing to believe how the lost child had grown to become such a wonderful man.
What added to the beauty of the book was what I learnt from it as a reader, and that makes me want to genuinely and literally bow down to author Alexander Khan. I really felt like I travelled with Mohammed and that I was a part of his journey. Right from England to Pakistan and back again, I felt like I was living the story, almost feeling it, and when an author manages to do that through his writing, it is simply wonderful. After saying all that I have said, I feel that I am still speechless and I will never be able to convey how beautiful Orphan of Islam really is, and that is a shame, because the simplicity and beauty in Alexander Khan's storytelling demand to be conveyed.
We all know what a brave soul Malala is. What she did, continues to do and will eventually do is admirable. If you like Malala, you will love Mohammed. He was a brave child who went through something that no adult, let alone child, should ever go through. I admired his courage and determination for never once did he accept what was thrown his way without questioning and reasoning- albeit in his own head- why it was being thrown his way. What I admired most about him was his righteousness, even when all his religion and his people gave him was harm and hurt. Never once did I pity this innocent child, but I only respected and valued his spirit throughout the length of the book.
A beautiful story of an innocent child, an imposing religion, two interesting cultures and two idyllic countries, Orphan of Islam is a sad story about impressive character development which is what made the book really amazing for me. There are books in which characters are on the last page just the way they were on the first page. And then there are books like Orphan of Islam that show intense and incredible personal change. Mohammed grew so much as a man and as a human over the span of the book that it was hard yet amazing to believe how the lost child had grown to become such a wonderful man.
What added to the beauty of the book was what I learnt from it as a reader, and that makes me want to genuinely and literally bow down to author Alexander Khan. I really felt like I travelled with Mohammed and that I was a part of his journey. Right from England to Pakistan and back again, I felt like I was living the story, almost feeling it, and when an author manages to do that through his writing, it is simply wonderful. After saying all that I have said, I feel that I am still speechless and I will never be able to convey how beautiful Orphan of Islam really is, and that is a shame, because the simplicity and beauty in Alexander Khan's storytelling demand to be conveyed.
December 2, 2013
The story appeared interesting and I guess because it is supposed to be a true story there weren't a lot of twists. But I did find it strange when the Pushtun women in the book are depicted as wearing sari's over an over again. Being a Pakistani and having lived in closed proximity of Pushtuns, I have yet to see any of their women wearing a sari. The other aspect which troubled me reading this rather sad account was the chosen name of the book as the 'Orphan of Islam'. Granted a number of Muslims were instrumental in the authors 'kidnapping' and forced incarceration in Pakistan but some of the very same Muslims helped him break free from his captivity as well. More so, the author has given his father most of the blame while his Western English mother and his much loved British country were given hardly any stick for completely forgetting and ignoring his sorry plight even when the author was living amongst the British in Britain. As far as I can make out the British people in his life and British system are equally to blame for letting him become a victim, but I guess the publishers of the book would want to appeal to all Islamophobic readers which are numerous.
I would have wanted some more insight into the traditional Pushtun family structure though it is a much guarded fellowship even for more urban Pakistanis like me. The story lacked details of complexities of the Pushtun family and only touched on some of its intrigues.
On the whole, I do feel indebted to the author for at least penning down his story as it does shed some light on a much guarded and secret area.
I would have wanted some more insight into the traditional Pushtun family structure though it is a much guarded fellowship even for more urban Pakistanis like me. The story lacked details of complexities of the Pushtun family and only touched on some of its intrigues.
On the whole, I do feel indebted to the author for at least penning down his story as it does shed some light on a much guarded and secret area.
October 23, 2013
This is an incredible true story based on the miserable life of a young pakistani boy living in England in 1978. His journey through discovering islam as a pakistani/english hybrid is inspiring and heartbreaking. As an orphan living with what seems to be the worst family ever, he is betrayed and abused by almost all his family members. As a little boy in a world that he doesn't really understand , all the people around him try to brainwash him into beliefs and harsh traditions . Confused and broken , he shares his adventurous life with us in his own way. Although Alexander Khan didn't receive any education as a young boy, he managed to write this book . In my opinion, it wasn't the best book i've read; the events were too slow but the story was interesting.
August 13, 2012
Islamic geo-political, historical or just plain socio-cultural literature interests me a lot so it didn't take more than a couple seconds to pick this one up. Simply written, a tad too simply, because the author, Alexander Khan has never received any kind of formal education- a commendable effort- bravo!
In his biography, Mohammed or "Moham', as he's usually referred to, shares his difficulties of being a mixed-race child. With a Pakistani father and an English mother, he and his sister Jasmine are outcasts in both the worlds. When snatched away at a young age from their mum and sent to Pakistan, it seems like a grand holiday- sunshine abound, open fields and royalty-like treatment. The kids however consider England as home. Fortune favors and their father takes them back to Lancashire. However, as soon as the father is dead, Moham finds himself at the mercy of his stepmom's brother-Rafiq and Rafiq has plans for him. A moment of adolescent curiosity ends in Moham being sent back to Pakistan to be a 'good boy' by forcibly enlisting him into a Madarssa. Does he manage to escape and return to England- read yourself to find out.
This book is nowhere close to 'The Kite Runner', if you have that kind of expectation. This is a story of a young-boy, misunderstood and misaligned to his culture, and his struggle to survive against odds. A quick read- but nothing that the world doesn't aleady know about.
In his biography, Mohammed or "Moham', as he's usually referred to, shares his difficulties of being a mixed-race child. With a Pakistani father and an English mother, he and his sister Jasmine are outcasts in both the worlds. When snatched away at a young age from their mum and sent to Pakistan, it seems like a grand holiday- sunshine abound, open fields and royalty-like treatment. The kids however consider England as home. Fortune favors and their father takes them back to Lancashire. However, as soon as the father is dead, Moham finds himself at the mercy of his stepmom's brother-Rafiq and Rafiq has plans for him. A moment of adolescent curiosity ends in Moham being sent back to Pakistan to be a 'good boy' by forcibly enlisting him into a Madarssa. Does he manage to escape and return to England- read yourself to find out.
This book is nowhere close to 'The Kite Runner', if you have that kind of expectation. This is a story of a young-boy, misunderstood and misaligned to his culture, and his struggle to survive against odds. A quick read- but nothing that the world doesn't aleady know about.
January 13, 2016
I really liked the book. I haven't read " Kite runner" , that some people compare this book to, so I cannot judge in that regard. Otherwise, I found it to be sad , but truthful story of an English boy, who had a lot of suffering and trials during his early years. The book was easy to read and really easy to visualize his life in rural Pakistan and England afterwords. For those , who say it doesn't have enough of a plot, I must add, that real life sometimes doesn't happen as in elaborate fiction story... For me personally, it definitely had enough of a story, that left a significant impact ...
August 26, 2012
Superb account of a young British Asian boy kidnapped and forced into an Islamic school in Pakistan and his subsequent escape back to the UK.I highly recommend this book to anyone.The story of a young,courageous boy,who defied all odds,completely inspiring account of his survival.
September 12, 2024
That was a heartfelt story, but it seemed incomplete. I was hoping for more details about how he reunited with his mom, how he left his hometown, what became of his sister, etc. Then I saw that there’s a sequel. Can’t wait to dive into it! My heart goes out to Mohamed and the millions of kids who go through the same ordeal.
November 30, 2017
Uma história de vida bem complicada e delicada. Um livro repleto de revelações sobre o islamismo sob o ponto de vista de um fiel. Um livro contado sobre as diferentes culturas dos países onde o islã é dominante.
Em breve farei um resenha no LV
Em breve farei um resenha no LV
April 9, 2020
A good book but should not be likened to The Kite Runner
February 17, 2015
I didn't like this book.
I initially picked this book up after seeing the comment on it being somewhat in the same category of the "Kite runner". However, I was quickly disappointed. I read this book with enthusiasm in the beginning. I enjoyed the introduction and the development of the story in the beginning, but sadly, it was only the beginning.
I felt the story was forced, a little over exaggerated and somewhat untrue in certain respects. I felt some aspects were depicted incredibly bad to pull at the heart strings of the reader. Mainly, I felt a disappointment towards the author for a misguidance on a religion and a culture that can seem hard to comprehend or understand by his readers.
I felt the title was only to attract readers - he had no merit towards being an orphan of Islam. My main interest was the question in my mind; 'what is an orphan of islam?'. This question was never answered because this book didn't address what the title of the book was. For this, I was disappointed.
Plainly, this book was a recount of a young boy subjected to horrific abuse at the hands of people who were supposed to protect him. I don't doubt this was a true recount but I wished it was written for the purpose of bringing light to a situation that no one really knows about and providing inspiration that those that endure similar hardships can possibly come out of it and make a better life for themselves.
I initially picked this book up after seeing the comment on it being somewhat in the same category of the "Kite runner". However, I was quickly disappointed. I read this book with enthusiasm in the beginning. I enjoyed the introduction and the development of the story in the beginning, but sadly, it was only the beginning.
I felt the story was forced, a little over exaggerated and somewhat untrue in certain respects. I felt some aspects were depicted incredibly bad to pull at the heart strings of the reader. Mainly, I felt a disappointment towards the author for a misguidance on a religion and a culture that can seem hard to comprehend or understand by his readers.
I felt the title was only to attract readers - he had no merit towards being an orphan of Islam. My main interest was the question in my mind; 'what is an orphan of islam?'. This question was never answered because this book didn't address what the title of the book was. For this, I was disappointed.
Plainly, this book was a recount of a young boy subjected to horrific abuse at the hands of people who were supposed to protect him. I don't doubt this was a true recount but I wished it was written for the purpose of bringing light to a situation that no one really knows about and providing inspiration that those that endure similar hardships can possibly come out of it and make a better life for themselves.
June 26, 2018
i got this book from a small book shop in karachi,pakistan.
it is a book by alexander khan.
it is about a boy called mohommad , who is born in 1975 and now he is three years old in 1978.
he lives in england.
he is taken away from his english mother who is white and then what happens is that his father dies .
after all that he is given away to his step mothers brother who is rafiq.
he treats his very badly.
this person is an orphan of islam and it is a true story.
he has to suffer a lot at the hands of rafiq.
after that he is sent to pakistan from england.
he is then put into an islamic school where he is abused and is tortured at the hands of the cruel people over there who mistreat him and make his life hell and he does not know what to do .
he is called a "kuffar" or the unbeliever.
he then plans to escape from there and with great difficulty he manages to do that.
he is now in pakistan and looks back at all the events of his life and what all happened.
he then gets married and goes back to england.
this was a great book and shows all the misery the poor child had to go through !.
it is a book by alexander khan.
it is about a boy called mohommad , who is born in 1975 and now he is three years old in 1978.
he lives in england.
he is taken away from his english mother who is white and then what happens is that his father dies .
after all that he is given away to his step mothers brother who is rafiq.
he treats his very badly.
this person is an orphan of islam and it is a true story.
he has to suffer a lot at the hands of rafiq.
after that he is sent to pakistan from england.
he is then put into an islamic school where he is abused and is tortured at the hands of the cruel people over there who mistreat him and make his life hell and he does not know what to do .
he is called a "kuffar" or the unbeliever.
he then plans to escape from there and with great difficulty he manages to do that.
he is now in pakistan and looks back at all the events of his life and what all happened.
he then gets married and goes back to england.
this was a great book and shows all the misery the poor child had to go through !.
August 9, 2014
An incredible story - quite how a child can go through so much and still emerge a good person at the end of it defies me.
The plot lines of this book are woven together in a web of intrigue...the author cleverly hints that there is constantly more to come which terrifies and intrigues in equal measure.
To think this is a real story - I shudder at the thought of what the author has gone through. Again - it serves to highlight the underworld of other cultures both in our country and abroad, and is a real eye opener. It's posed some real questions in my own mind about other cultures and my understanding of them - though it left more questions raised than answered as the story unfolded.
To think the author has never had a formal eduction, this book is incredibly written.
I urge you to try it. The only reason it's not got a 4 is because I don't think the author quite left me with the reaction he was intending.
The plot lines of this book are woven together in a web of intrigue...the author cleverly hints that there is constantly more to come which terrifies and intrigues in equal measure.
To think this is a real story - I shudder at the thought of what the author has gone through. Again - it serves to highlight the underworld of other cultures both in our country and abroad, and is a real eye opener. It's posed some real questions in my own mind about other cultures and my understanding of them - though it left more questions raised than answered as the story unfolded.
To think the author has never had a formal eduction, this book is incredibly written.
I urge you to try it. The only reason it's not got a 4 is because I don't think the author quite left me with the reaction he was intending.
October 5, 2014
A moving sad story that have me a lot of thought provoking moments. This book will stay with me and for that reason it's 5 stars for me.
I thought it was reasonably well written and the author did well to convey the emotions he recalls from what can only be described as hideous moments in his youth. The frustrating part was where he chose to end the book, I'm glad we got an epilogue for some answers but this book probably needed another 150 pages or so so fill in some of the gaps and I hope he decides to tell the rest of his story some time.
I thought it was reasonably well written and the author did well to convey the emotions he recalls from what can only be described as hideous moments in his youth. The frustrating part was where he chose to end the book, I'm glad we got an epilogue for some answers but this book probably needed another 150 pages or so so fill in some of the gaps and I hope he decides to tell the rest of his story some time.
August 13, 2016
I read this book within 24 hours - I couldn't put it down. I am full of admiration for the author and how he dealt with his very hard start in life. It's a real eye opener to a very different, and to me, medieval culture. The way women are treated - married off very young to older men, not given an education and murdered in the name of "honour" - is really awful. You also get an insight into how Madrassas are brain washing young men to become terrorists. So sad but a gripping, must read true story.
October 24, 2013
Very gripping. What struck me the most was the fact that Moham, though so young, could think for himself. Maybe the memory of his mother made him not bow down to the fanatic pressure he was facing. But at such a young age, he refused to be brainwashed, and he refused to crack under pressure. I may have started thinking at 21, the way Moham thought at 11.
I think it is well worth reminding everyone that that is only one of the many sides of Pakistan.
I think it is well worth reminding everyone that that is only one of the many sides of Pakistan.
September 28, 2017
I read this book in 5 hours on my honeymoon because I was physically unable to put it down. It had me in tears, it was very moving and heartbreaking. I even emailed the author to ask him to please hurry up with the second book because I absolutely need to know how the ret unfolds. I have the paperback and have lent this book to many friends who have all equally loved the book its a MUST read for sure.
September 29, 2013
Although the author's literary style is simple, the incredible incidents that kept occurring one after the other in this true story kept me turning the pages so quickly that I read the book over 2 nights. The author's life of hardships is shocking, emotional, and disturbing, but ultimately uplifting as a result of his resilience.
September 20, 2013
Been gripped to the book and I never remember reading a book with such enthusiasm in a long time!
Though there are a few loose ends that keeps us wondering about some ignored characters, I still find it interesting.
I recommend this book !!
Though there are a few loose ends that keeps us wondering about some ignored characters, I still find it interesting.
I recommend this book !!
December 14, 2013
I nearly hold my breath while reading it. The author leads us in a strange, cruel but unfortunately real world. I realize how lucky I am.
January 23, 2014
I think everyone should read this book
July 22, 2014
Could not stop reading this book, so touching and heart wrenching. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2019
This is going to be a hard one to review as I found it both horrifying and fascinating in equal measure. This child was born in the UK to a Pakistani man and British white woman who were married. The man's family, mainly his sister didn't approve and refused to see the woman. After some time the couple split up and the Dad continued to see the children aged 3 and 5.
One day he collected the children and never returned them. He took them to Pakistan where they stayed with family. It turns out Dad had a second family in Pakistan and he reason for his trips to Pakistan was to visit this family!!
Mum was informed that the children had died in a car accident in Pakistan and after some time Dad brought the family from Pakistan to the UK as well as the two British born children. The young Pakistani wife was pleasant enough and things were going ok.
One day Dad suddenly died of a heart attack and that's when things changed for these two young children. Boy did they change!!!
This poor young lad got the worst of it and the things he suffered were outright child abuse of the very cruelest kind.
The book is written by the young lad, now a happily married man and is not at all 'poor me' in its style. It is an easy read in that it is as though he is telling his story to you one to one.
The people who perpetrated the horrors he underwent should be locked away and the key thrown in the sea. Along the way there was also a murder of a British Pakistani woman by her husband, (honour killing they called it) and I still find it hard to believe the girl's family covered it up. This took place in front of the girl's family in cold blood when they came back to Pakistan to try and scape the irate husband. the poor girl would have been more likely to survive if she had gone to a refuge in the UK.
It was a real eye opener and I was really horrified at what awful things can be done to a child even in the UK behind closed doors and why were they traced and sent to school? They came back into the UK on their British passports and were born here!?
One day he collected the children and never returned them. He took them to Pakistan where they stayed with family. It turns out Dad had a second family in Pakistan and he reason for his trips to Pakistan was to visit this family!!
Mum was informed that the children had died in a car accident in Pakistan and after some time Dad brought the family from Pakistan to the UK as well as the two British born children. The young Pakistani wife was pleasant enough and things were going ok.
One day Dad suddenly died of a heart attack and that's when things changed for these two young children. Boy did they change!!!
This poor young lad got the worst of it and the things he suffered were outright child abuse of the very cruelest kind.
The book is written by the young lad, now a happily married man and is not at all 'poor me' in its style. It is an easy read in that it is as though he is telling his story to you one to one.
The people who perpetrated the horrors he underwent should be locked away and the key thrown in the sea. Along the way there was also a murder of a British Pakistani woman by her husband, (honour killing they called it) and I still find it hard to believe the girl's family covered it up. This took place in front of the girl's family in cold blood when they came back to Pakistan to try and scape the irate husband. the poor girl would have been more likely to survive if she had gone to a refuge in the UK.
It was a real eye opener and I was really horrified at what awful things can be done to a child even in the UK behind closed doors and why were they traced and sent to school? They came back into the UK on their British passports and were born here!?
December 1, 2019
Alluring and stunngling heartouching.
Makes people burst into tears.
A story of young boy who need a trusty friend and he want a woman love (kind mom) that he is deprived of. Heart touching student about the typical Pustoon society. We all have many Muhammeds around who are victim of cruel people and the harsh situation after their parents die (the typical unlces and aunties are something common in Pustoon society (there are good too) . Morever, we also do have the beasts around us we should protect the victims. The middle section about Haqqania is heartbreaking, where the master is cruel and indiffeent to the White kid, a sort of prejudice I would say on his part toward Muhammed.(seems true because one of friend experienced the same that led him run aways from Madrassa.)
Recommed to all because they can find many things related to our societies. A story of an orphan boy who was destroyed by relatives, honor killing, autrocities of masters, indifferent looks of relatives to their Orphan and how they are brainwashed and misguieded by people.
Five stars.👍
Makes people burst into tears.
A story of young boy who need a trusty friend and he want a woman love (kind mom) that he is deprived of. Heart touching student about the typical Pustoon society. We all have many Muhammeds around who are victim of cruel people and the harsh situation after their parents die (the typical unlces and aunties are something common in Pustoon society (there are good too) . Morever, we also do have the beasts around us we should protect the victims. The middle section about Haqqania is heartbreaking, where the master is cruel and indiffeent to the White kid, a sort of prejudice I would say on his part toward Muhammed.(seems true because one of friend experienced the same that led him run aways from Madrassa.)
Recommed to all because they can find many things related to our societies. A story of an orphan boy who was destroyed by relatives, honor killing, autrocities of masters, indifferent looks of relatives to their Orphan and how they are brainwashed and misguieded by people.
Five stars.👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
A story of an orphan child whose mother is English and whose father is Pakistani, yet he is snatched from his mother and then raised by in Pakistani culture.
On the one hand, I don't like the way it portrays the cruelty of Islam, in particular, the Pakistanis who seem very religious, but full of cruelty in treating the orphan, which of course against Islamic principle or value. Furthermore, it even shows us a sexual-abuse toward children, which happens when Mohan stays in Pakistan. On the other hand, I have to accept that because what is portrayed in the novel is true as what it is, as the author admits that the novel is based on a true story in his life.
Technically, I think there are some interesting plots and conflicts but still unresolved or unanswered until the end of the story - I want to know more. Chapter Seventeen when a character of a dog suddenly appears seems uncanny for me because it is not that much related or contribute to the plot of the novel.
On the one hand, I don't like the way it portrays the cruelty of Islam, in particular, the Pakistanis who seem very religious, but full of cruelty in treating the orphan, which of course against Islamic principle or value. Furthermore, it even shows us a sexual-abuse toward children, which happens when Mohan stays in Pakistan. On the other hand, I have to accept that because what is portrayed in the novel is true as what it is, as the author admits that the novel is based on a true story in his life.
Technically, I think there are some interesting plots and conflicts but still unresolved or unanswered until the end of the story - I want to know more. Chapter Seventeen when a character of a dog suddenly appears seems uncanny for me because it is not that much related or contribute to the plot of the novel.
February 22, 2022
I was completely captivated from the start. I reas this book because of a friend of mine did and her review of it had me interested. Little did I know I would finish it so quickly. Every time I thought things couldn't get worse they did. Every time I thought things were calming down for Mohammad they were wild again. My heart broke repeatedly for this little guy. But his will to keep going and to survive made me smile more then once. I only wish there would have been more, I am now wanting a second book. How is he doing now. How is his relationship with his mom. Where is Jasmine? Did she ever get to meet her mom? I am happy with the ending but just have so many unanswered questions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2020
I’m not usually a fan of misery memoirs but this was a true eye opener. I was astonished by the atrocities committed by the author’s family in the name of Islam, and the disdain shown for white people in the UK. Unusual for a book of this sort to be written by a man, too. We are rooting for the author from page 1 and, although I knew that the author must have escaped his hideous life to have written this book, I found I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know what happened next. I hope there will be a sequel to this book. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time.
August 29, 2020
I was very excited about the book but it disappointed in so many ways the story starts with slow and moving realities the struggle of young boy who had been separated from his English mother the agony he had suffered in the hands of his paternal uncle and aunty. Finally the adventure of getting back to UK but the author had skipped big part how he gets out of windsmill? how he had joined British army? What about her sister? It was unfinished story overall, though I had to search it on Google how he had joined army and met her mother.
November 29, 2021
It was okay ,I guess its history cause in every part of the world there are wrong people who do the wrong thing , that go against their religion or add on their own ideas and there are sheep that follow
The world is changing and we are stopping all things that are wrong or harmful
But at the end of this book they should advise others that Islam is a beautiful religion and that there are bad people who do the wrong thing everywhere in the world
Please read a positive peacefully book of Islam and Pakistan after this
Cause the world has changed
The world is changing and we are stopping all things that are wrong or harmful
But at the end of this book they should advise others that Islam is a beautiful religion and that there are bad people who do the wrong thing everywhere in the world
Please read a positive peacefully book of Islam and Pakistan after this
Cause the world has changed
July 2, 2017
Worrying
How typical, I wonder, is Kahn's childhood of an immigrant child in Britain today. It is worrying to think that a child can be subjected to so much abuse completely 'off-radar' so far as the authorities are concerned.
The book itself conveyed the tension and pain suffered by the young Moham without wallowing in it. But the brevity of the epilogue leaves so many questions unanswered.
How typical, I wonder, is Kahn's childhood of an immigrant child in Britain today. It is worrying to think that a child can be subjected to so much abuse completely 'off-radar' so far as the authorities are concerned.
The book itself conveyed the tension and pain suffered by the young Moham without wallowing in it. But the brevity of the epilogue leaves so many questions unanswered.
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