My Name Is Not Harry: A Memoir

by Haroon Siddiqui

Veteran Toronto Star editor Haroon Siddiqui, brown and Muslim, has spent a life in the media front lines, covering conflicts both global and local.

Siddiqui’s journey took him from a divided India to a welcoming Canada — until the cataclysm of 9/11 hardened attitudes to Muslims around the world. His personal story weaves through growing Islamophobia in both India – where a militant Hindu Raj reveres the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi – and North America, where white anger is stoked and reaped by populists like Donald Trump.

Siddiqui's experiences in the corridors of power in newsrooms and warzones are threaded with insights about historic changes in the last seventy years in India and Canada. His native and adopted lands serve as metaphors for what can go wrong and what can be made right.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Enid Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the day, after the folding of the Toronto Telegram, my parents switched to subscribing to The Toronto Star. As I aged and took note of the paper, when it arrived, the first thing I did was seek out two columns (on their respective days): Haroon Siddiqui and Michelle Landsberg. They were formative to me becoming who I am today.

This was a fascinating peak into the personal history of the man who so influenced me, and a great trip down memory lane as it relates to key moments in Canadian and global history.

Well worth the read.

[Rennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book from a number of perspectives. It provides good context for some of the tensions going on in Canada and elsewhere that are the product of past attitudes and beliefs. Some of those commonly held beliefs have proven to be unfounded although Mr. Siddiqui does romanticize some topics as well so reading widely to take in a variety of viewpoints is always a good idea.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely terrific part-memoir part-cdnmedia-history book.

[Asiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really like the little bit of Hyderabadi history in the beginning.

[Jaylani Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book by Mr. Haroon Siddiqui. I have been waiting to read a book written by him.

[Pankaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interest of complete disclosure, I must state that I consider Haroon a friend and mentor. I look up to him as a complete professional, a most caring human and an upright citizen of Canada who draws on his strength from his early life in India. His Memoir says it all, best.

It is no easy task for an immigrant to remain true to their identity (defining Urdu expression - vujood, meaning existence or the very being of a person) and what shapes them while assimilating with the new environment of their new chosen country. Lately, being a Muslim seems to tack on additional challenges and responsibilities to counter growing biases in public discourse that impact individual perceptions, or vice versa.

Sticking to one's principles while engaged in journalism is not a trait that is noticed frequently these days. Yet, as Haroon's Memoir illustrates, this is what he did while speaking truth to power.

This is a book that everyone, especially all immigrants must read. It is educational and inspiring. From having to repeatedly prove his credentials to go on and be awarded the highest honour bestowed by his province - Ontario and his country - Canada are singular accomplishments. Professionally, he has been honoured with the Canadian Journalism Foundation Lifetime Achievement.