Beyond Our Degrees of Separation: Washington Monsoons and Islamabad Blues

by Judith Ravin, Muhammad Hassan Miraj

A narrative weave of testimonial non-fiction by Judith Ravin and Muhammad Hassan Miraj, Beyond Our Degrees of Separation evokes points of intersection between the United States and Pakistan. Hailing from oxymoronic bureaucracies, the co-authors transcend their respective realms of diplomacy and the military to reaffirm commonalities beyond differences. The alternating narratives trace their real-life discovery of equivalent experiences within dissimilar worlds. From an off-hand discussion during a one-off encounter, they embark on a project to prove that words and culture have the power to transform. Themes include displacement, social justice, cross-border issues, terrorism, loss, and interfaith harmony. Beyond Our Degrees of Separation delights in the documentation of that journey, along with all journeys, and demonstrates how travel and fate obey their own logic, ever-populating with wonderment the imagination of the “geographically disturbed” – those who live in perpetual wanderlust.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2017

Reviews

[jzee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found this book a strange one. Now, I must add, strange in a very pleasant way. At first glance, it may seem to be a light reading, a set of short writings by two persons from places far apart and as they weave through their lives in distant places. However, as one reads through the book, each piece of writing opens up interesting ideas and concepts that are simply woven within these writings, emotions that one can relate to so deeply. A wonderful read it was !

[Tumhara Sar · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book.

[Jason H · Rating 3 out of 5]

*****Full disclosure: I know one of the authors.*****

Beyond Our Degrees of Separation: Washington Monsoons and Islamabad Blues is a non-fiction collection of essays by two writers -- an American diplomat and a Pakistani soldier -- that forms a sort of love letter to both countries of origin, the importance of family, and a few other topics. It's full of solid prose and interesting stories and will interest anyone stricken with wanderlust.

So why only three stars? Especially given I know an author, it seems like a low rating. Goodreads defines three stars as "I liked it" which is a fair assessment. The "negatives" I found with the book would be positives for many readers, and I expect those inclined to pick up a book like this would find it much more of a four- or five-star read.

The top "complaint" for me was the flowery language used throughout. I firmly prefer utilitarian writing whenever possible, with as little for me to read as required. This book definitely is NOT that. An example:

"We sat upon a communal bench made of wooden planks patterned in a geometric semi-circle open at one end to accommodate the comings and goings of visitors. The eaves above afforded protection from the sun."

I'm fairly certain that says "We sat on a bench under a tree." I would allow "We sat on a wooden bunch under the shade of a tree." But that's about it.

Extra words aside, there's little to complain about. I'm not sure if the two authors were going for two separate voices; if so, they failed most of the time. The chapters alternative between two very different people, but the writing in general blends together, often only differentiated by the situations or jobs described within the text. Not really a complaint, though, so much as an observation.

The stories told and pictures painted within the chapters were generally fascinating, and interesting enough to ensure I had no regrets reading the book. One especially poignant chapter about the loss of one's mother was exceptional.

All in all, I'd recommend the book, if not only because I know an author, but because I think there is much to get from the quick, well-written book that this is.

[Sana Nadeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of stories, nostalgic and relatable....