An American Brat

An American Brat was an interesting novel. It clearly defined the differences between American culture verse Pakistani culture. It also identified the struggles that can be found when changing cultures quickly. American Brat is the story of Feroza who is Pakistani. Her parents wished to send her to America to put her back into her culture. They felt she was getting too far away from her ideals. When Feroza arrives in America it seems she does not understand everything about the culture and she begins to come closer to her realm of Pakistani culture. She rooms with a girl named Jo who gives her insight into America. She realizes that freedom really does exist and even for women. In Pakistani culture women are forced to live with their husbands when they are married and sexuality is very sacred and important, important to save for your husband. Feroza rooms with Jo, who is very at one with her sexuality. She realizes that she too can have freedom in America.
I really enjoyed this novel. I did not expect much out of it because it seemed intimidating at first, plus it was the last novel of the semester. However, it impressed me quite a bit. I really enjoyed it.

Breath, Eyes, and Memory

In Breath, Eyes, and Memory we see the lack of freedom for women in other cultures. On several accounts we see this Haitian soceity confine their women to certain roles and stereotypes. Sophie was forced to leave Taunte Atie against her will. She was not fond of the idea of seeing her mother. She, however, was forced to leave. She met her mother in America. Women are also viewed differently in the eye of sexuality. Sophie's mother looked at things differently after being raped. She gain a new insight towards not only her sexuality, but the role of sexualaity in every female's life. Sophie was viewed differently once she was no longer a virgin. Her mother looked upon her differently. Once Sophie gave birth to her baby, she did not feel the desire to be sexual. Her lack of freedom though led to her sexual actions with her husband still.
I think this book was really good. I thought it was easy to read and easy to follow. I could relate to this book on some instances and it continually kept me interested.