Footpaths in the Painted City
Shepard, SadiaDaughter of a white American Protestant father and a Pakistani Muslim mother, Sadia Shepard travels to India to make sense of her family’s startling background: her Muslim grandmother had begun life as a member of an Indian-Jewish community who believes they are descendants from one of the Lost Tribes of Israel shipwrecked on Indian shores. Told with compassion and humility, this is an unforgettable story of a young woman's discovery of faith, family and identity. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
We enjoyed this book. Good discussion about Israel / Palestine situation etc. Motueka 002Everyone enjoyed reading this book - and some of us felt it was the best book we have read this year. Wellington 007Most of us found this book rather a struggle - wondering why it had been written - perhaps rather a self indulgent exercise. But, two of our group did enjoy the book and this did make for a lively discussion. Rotorua 006 Only one of us really enjoyed the book. It didn't evoke enough feeling amongst the majority of readers. Christchurch 304
Pages
364
364
Year
2008
2008
Reviews
11-04-2023
We all loved this, after some being a bit sceptical at first. A story of a journey, fascinating to contemplate having to decide about what religion to live and die with. Great description of culture, the history of the Bene Israel people, India/Bombay, the Konkan Coast, and also Karachi, and how the partition affected people on an individual level, in the context of the 9/11 attacks and being Muslim at this time. Easily read, great photos too.
28-10-2020
We had a good discussion about what is "faith" and what is "culture". All enjoyed the book but felt it would have benefitted from more editing. The life of Nana was the most interesting story, but the glimpses of everyday life in India ( hospitality, attitudes to women, and the idea that many Indians 'felt they came from somewhere else') were too.
28-10-2020
We all loved this book.
28-10-2020
We were all intrigued with this book. It became a book that we needed to finish reading...all but one member who didn't enjoy the time format.
28-10-2020
Wonderful insights into Indian life.
28-10-2020
The small print and rambling style put a few off, but the notes were good. Some members found it fascinating re the cultures and countries. Good discussion re faith and religion.
28-10-2020
Most of the group found the book difficult to get into, and to find its focus. It became more interesting later on. Some felt it needed more editing, or at least a title with each photo. The jumps in time and space were distracting for most. Discussion was thoughtful and thought-provoking.
28-10-2020
A great book, we found it fascinating. Particularly the religious aspects.
28-10-2020
With one exception, our group enjoyed the book - a pleasant, easy read. Too personal and repetitive for a couple, and too spiritual for another. We were interested to learn that Jews were one of the cultures that made up India.