Clipped Wings

by Jameela Alter

Focusing on the personal journeys of two daughters born in Calcutta—one born to a wealthy Muslim family and the other to a penniless street beggar—this intricately woven story delicately touches on evolving customs and cultural hardships. The two women explore three continents and multifarious perspectives, discovering human commonalities among those they meet. Examining numerous aspects of life, from street urchins and the exquisite neighborhood of Bohra to female circumcision and death, the characters ultimately find peace.

328 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008