The Submission by Amy Waldman
Amy Waldman’s debut novel “The Submission” was published ten years after the cataclysmic events that pulverised the very symbol of American supremacy- the World Trade Center. 9/11 is described as the darkest day in modern History.
The Submission is a beautifully written work of fiction, and depicts the aftermath faced the world over and especially in America by Muslims, irrespective of who they were and how they had contributed towards the fabric of the society they were part of, prior to the great American tragedy.
The story starts two years after the devastation. When it is revealed that the winner of the 9/11 memorial contest is an American Muslim architect, the American society is shaken up with fear, mistrust, accusations and violence.
“Mo”, Mohammad Khan, who up until the change in the American perspective was an average American, an average New Yorker, finds himself questioning his own perception of Islam. A non- practiser, he feels the swell of Allah-hu Akbar for a brief moment when his integrity and Americanness is questioned.
Amy Waldman’s experience as a journalist for The New York Times, South Asia Bureau, gives her the edge to portray this human story in an unbiased, thought provoking and humane manner. Her perspective gives the reader a clear picture of the widespread effect the events had.
The writing style is captivating and raises questions on how most judge and generalise situations and reactions based on religion, nationalities and communal sensibilities and in turn, entangle the situation further.
One wonders how this would end. And thankfully, Amy Waldman doesn’t disappoint. Without giving out more, all I can say is that the end of the story is what will touch you most and stay with you for some time.
A must read!!!
About artikaaurorabakshi
the good book corner 