Book review

Husna's Story

Farid Ahmed

In a few words

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.

Kirsty Grant

Reviewer

Kirsty is an ex-BDS staff member who now reviews titles for the catalogue from her home in sunny Nelson. 

Kirsty leans toward grittier, intense reads. She also loves descriptive, immersive writing, losing herself in the sights, sounds, and smells of unfamiliar countries, cultures, history and significant events.

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