My Sisters Made of Light
by Jaqueline St. Joan. "This is Ms. St. Joan’s first novel and is just incredible, both moving and thought-provoking. The protagonist, Ujala, is a young Pakistani woman who is inspired by her mother to travel through various parts of rural Pakistan teaching young girls and women. In this capacity, Ujala witnesses a number of “honor crimes” – in which a “woman” (she could be as young as 10) is beaten, permanently maimed (think acid thrown in your face) or killed because she has, in the eyes of her family, brought dishonor to them (by, for example, talking in public with a male cousin). Ujala and her three sisters ultimately all become involved in trying to turn the tide of this cultural horror in Pakistan. While the topic is horrific, the beautiful and passionate story woven by Ms. St. Joan is tinged with hope and optimism. Much like the four sisters, Ms. St. Joan is determined to make a difference in the current lives of Pakistani women who, right now & every day, are being subjected to these honor crimes: half the proceeds from her book are going to be used to fund the building of a safe house in Pakistan where women and children trying to escape abuse can be sheltered."
