In all honesty, I didn't dislike anything about the book. In addition, her descriptive writing brings to life the colorful wedding scenes and busy streets in Pakistan. Her choice of language makes it easy to imagine the difficulty of trying to straddle both. My favorite thing about the book is the ease with which the author continues to tie the storyline to the overarching theme of cultural and religious differences. These varied relationships are explored throughout the remainder of the story. (As a side note, these time jumps are neither detrimental nor distracting to the storyline.) While Carolyn and Ivy come from similar backgrounds, their roles in Ammi's life and the impact they have on her throughout the book are vastly different. After another jump forward in time, we are introduced to Carolyn, and shortly thereafter, Ivy. A happy time in her life, the story then jumps ahead to when her children are older, and tragedy strikes. Whispers From the East starts with Ammi migrating from India to Pakistan as a new bride, and skillfully winds its way through the first years of her marriage while living with family. All three characters are likable, but each is given a unique voice and background perspective that allow the reader to easily differentiate between them and, even more, identify with one or all of them in different ways. The story is alternately told from the point of view of all three main female characters: Ammi, Carolyn, and Ivy. In addition, it highlights difficulties that may be faced trying to bridge the gap between the two worlds.

This novel, set in both Pakistan and the United States, explores both cultural and religious differences between the two countries. Whispers From the East by Amie Ali is a compelling story about three Muslim women who are tied together by religion, love, and family.

Whispers from the East by Amie Ali