Husna's Story
An important and moving read about finding peace after the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.
Great for
Anyone still hurting from the events of that day.
Why I love this book
Ok, so I admit it. When this book was added to the BDS catalogue I thought I didn't want to read it. I had heard the sirens that day, I had felt the shock and disbelief, I had taken flowers to Hagley Park, I had cried. I didn't want to revisit those events.
And yet I really wanted to understand more about how the Muslim community, and Farid Ahmed in particular, were so forgiving and spoke of love and peace — not hate. So I went to hear him speak at the WORD Festival in Christchurch and was so moved I had to read the book (yes, there were more tears).
This book is about so much more than the events that day. It is about being an immigrant, the Muslim faith, Farid and Husna's love for each other and their community, and the journey to peace and understanding after 15 March. Most of all it is about love for humankind. There is so much we can all learn from Farid: his forgiveness, grace and humility. This book really spoke to my heart and gave me hope that (corny, but true) the world can be a better place if we all try to love — not hate — and accept other people for what they are. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Read more about Husna's Story in the catalogue or login to add it to your book list.
I also recommend
In the Clearing (Fiction, NZ) — JP Pomare (NZ)
A thriller set in rural Australia; an absolute page-turner. A bit scary with many twists and turns.
The Yield (Fiction) — Tara June Winch
I loved this book. The story of August Gondiwindi, an aborigine woman returning to her land when her grandfather dies. This is a book of real substance, wonderful writing — very real. I learnt so much about the history of the aboriginal people and I thought the explanation of aboriginal words throughout the book really added depth to the story .
