"A moving story of a Pakhtun immigrant to this wonderful country who remained steadfast to his objectives and through his hard work, dedication and sacrifice succeeded in providing a better future for his family. It reflects the hard work of a person who left his home, in the remote mountains of northern Pakistan, in search of better opportunities and assimilated in an altogether different culture. It’s a story of triumph over difficult circumstances, highlighting the unlimited possibilities for those who demonstrate discipline and perseverance to their cause. A rewarding experience for all who read it."
Mr. Tariq Azim Khan, High Commissioner for Pakistan, Ottawa
"5 STARS. A gripping and heart-warming tale starting with Gafoor, a Pakistani immigrant who came to Canada to find a better life for his wife and sons. The story starts in 1903, the year of his birth in his quiet mountain village.
The author has provided historical snippets in the chapters - Gandhi, Jinnah, WWII, the UK, the recognition of Pakistan as a nation etc., making the history come alive as it relates to the story.
Schapansky has done a brilliant job with this memoir, a tribute to Jamal and his family. I read this in one sitting; it was engrossing, interesting and educational. A must read for any student and lover of history and memoirs."
Janice J. Richardson, author of The Making of a Funeral Director
"Inspirational and quite absorbing, it brought to mind my own family history and my own immigration experiences in 1975 when I moved to the U.S.
Gafoor's life story is one of struggle and hope, it shows the greatness of Canada and its people, where it seems so natural for individuals to embrace complete strangers and assist them in their pursuit of a better life. This is not only a story of a Pakhtun immigrant, but also the story of the great heart of the Canadian people.
The inner strength of Gafoor in pursuit of his goals is quite unique and rare in the human condition; it says something about the upbringing of people like him, where the inner strength of the person far outweighs the drawbacks of literacy, culture, or immigration status. There is within such people a soul that sparkles, which draws people to them and allows them to move forward in life with hope and success, not unlike the ships he worked on which moved through miles of oceans to reach their destinations. A truly good read."
Raj Anand
"Highlighting the struggles of a family in search of a better life, this story revolves around the impoverished farming hamlet of Charuna, in the farthest highlands of Northern Pakistan, and the sawmill community of Youbou, on Vancouver Island, Canada, in the other corner of the world. The hard working people living in both Charuna and Youbou are defined in direct contrast to the glitz and glamour described by the author, at the Metropole Hotel in Karachi, and the Empress Hotel in Victoria. The two entirely different social classes are portrayed, and give this story a distinct colour.
The author has chosen the common man as the subject of her research,
while in sharp departure with the extant practice of blending in historical figures and celebrities. The projection of Pakhtun customs, hospitality, geography, historical glimpses, and the goodness of people such as Sir Robert Holland
and the Bunker family make this an interesting read.
The author has succeeded in her attempt at building bridges between and linking
the two countries of Canada and Pakistan."
Muhammad Tariq, Consul General of Pakistan, Vancouver
"A very precise and chronological account that can be attributed to a dream of wanting future generations to know the struggles of life for the sole intent of that knowledge. Highly recommended."
J.P Willson, author of Through the Mind’s Eye: A Journey of Self-Discovery
"I highly recommend this memoir, which is rich in life-affirming tales of the kindness of strangers, during a time of separation and uncertainty for one family. Each chapter cleverly commences with some important historical events, which only enriches and puts into context the ever-changing historical backdrop."
Lucy Lang, author of Dislocation-a moving story of a turbulent childhood
"Jamal Khan and Teresa Schapansky came together to tell a very important story; one of courage, adventure and the wish to make a family’s life better. We must thank Jamal Khan for sharing his family’s story and Teresa for the joy with which she wrote."
Elaine Fuhr, Freelance Reviewer
