Under the Persimmon Tree (Novel)

Title: Under the Persimmon Tree

Author: Suzanne Fisher Staples

Published by: Frances Foster Books

Recommendation:

To get the clearest picture of this book first familiarize your self with the glossary.

I personally found Under the Persimmon Tree to be an excellent cultural read. It will open your eyes to a way of life that must be experienced to understand. Najmah, a young Afghan girl whose name means, “star,” suddenly finds herself alone when her family is taken from her by the war. Elaine, whose Islamic name is Nusrat, is also on her own. An American, she waits out the war in Peshawar, Pakistan, teaching refugee children while her Afghan husband runs a clinic in Mazar-i-sharif, Afghanistan. Najmah’s father had always assured her that the stars would take care of her, just as Nusrat’s husband had promised that they would tell Najmah where he was and that he was safe. As the two look to the skies for answers, their fates entwine. Najmah, seeking refuge, begins the perilous journey through the mountains to cross the border into Pakistan. And Nusrat’s school awaits Najmah’s arrival. Together, they both seek their way home.

The overall writing was very descriptive, dramatic and direct. This story is one that will touch your life forever. It helps you to see the happiness in your life and embrace what you have. This book was an exquisite picture into a life full of fear and uncertainty. It is a book I would recommend to middle school students first of all because it is at their reading level, but I would recommend it to everyone with regards to the plot and style of this novel. It was a beautiful, tragic, and touching story from start to finish. It is also an eye-opener for those who do not know what the people of Afghanistan are really like culturally and religiously. This book gives incite to the receiving end of U.S. efforts in the Middle East and reveals the questionable nature of the actions of the U.S. military in that area.

In this book, the U.S. and the Taliban were both threats and it would be valuable for students to see that. The book is fast-paced with very detailed description that does not spare readers from any information. It is a realistic depiction of the state of Afghanistan, the amount of damage that the U.S. inflicts on innocent people, and the general horrors of war and the Taliban. It is educational as well as entertaining. It may lead readers to question what they believe about the war and what they believe should be done in the conflict. With universal themes like the importance of family, faith, and love, everyone can relate to the characters in this story. It is easy to understand and will keep students and people of all ages hooked throughout the story. In my opinion, everyone should read Under the Persimmon Tree. The persimmon tree symbolizes the transition of Najmah from a young child into a young adult. Nusrat (Elaine) is having to transition from a wife of an Afghan doctor to a widow that is in another country and is trying to return to the United States but wants to bring Najmah with her. She doesn't understand what Najmah has left for her, because all of her family is gone.