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Ali Sethi: The Wish Maker

The Pakistani author finds truth in fiction

A A A Comments By Julia Ramey Thursday, Jun 18 2009

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Author Ali Sethi has said that Americans' biggest misconception about Pakistan is that it's a Middle Eastern country. He corrects this, and many other stereotypes about Pakistan and its people, in The Wish Maker, his first novel, which he'll discuss and sign today at Brazos Bookstore. The book, set in '90s-era Pakistan, follows the fatherless Zaki, a boy growing up surrounded by women, and his female cousin Samar, as they negotiate their middle-class lives in Lahore. Growing up in a rapidly changing Pakistan, they are lured by the superficial pleasures of Bollywood, American television and the democratic ideals espoused by the likes of Benazir Bhutto. Sethi, who was born in Pakistan and attended Harvard, delves into issues of politics, religion and gender, all the while keeping to the main theme of self-realization and love for one's family. 7 p.m. 2421 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-523-0701 or visit www.brazosbookstore.com. Free.
Tue., June 23, 7 p.m., 2009