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A review by namakurhea
My Past Is a Foreign Country by Zeba Talkhani
3.0
In this memoir, Zeba Talkhani talks about her experience growing up as an Indian Muslim in Jeddah, pursuing her studies and independence in Manipal, before spreading her wings as an adult in Germany and UK. It is a small book (not more than 200 pages) but it touches upon a lot of topics: the complex relationship with her mom, the journey of self-discovery in a society where women is defined by who she is attached with (father, husband, brother), and her decision to stop putting her life in hold for others' approval.
Probably the most impactful part of the book for me are the passages on Zeba Talkhani and her mother. In her youth, her mother's instability was frustrating. But as an adult, she realized that there are layers to that instability. Mothers are women too who sometimes had to balance being one's self with what the society expects. You are lucky if you didn't have to choose... but for some others the choice is real. The result is oftentimes a dissonance within the self. And when internalized, the trauma could really be passed down to future generations.
Definitely would recommend this!
Probably the most impactful part of the book for me are the passages on Zeba Talkhani and her mother. In her youth, her mother's instability was frustrating. But as an adult, she realized that there are layers to that instability. Mothers are women too who sometimes had to balance being one's self with what the society expects. You are lucky if you didn't have to choose... but for some others the choice is real. The result is oftentimes a dissonance within the self. And when internalized, the trauma could really be passed down to future generations.
Definitely would recommend this!