Book Review – For the Love of a Son

“For the Love of a Son” is the heartbreaking story of a mother who desperately tries to find her stolen son, but is equally devastated when she finds him. However, the compassionate and forgiving heart of a mother does not blame the child and expects his well-being, even if it comes at the price of hating his mother. In this biography of Maryam Khail, Jean Sasson reaches out to the mother in you and when you realize that you would do the same in that situation, somewhere the die-hard feminist surrenders to the love of a mother. Glad I read this.

Maryam is an energetic young woman born to broad-minded and progressive parents living in Kabul. His father, despite suffering severe brutality at the hands of his stepbrother, is very considerate and liberal. He finds his soul mate in Maryam’s mother, who is equally open-minded and avoids Afghanistan’s oppressive attitude towards women. They both raise their two daughters in a supportive environment and emphasize that they are educated and independent. However, this near-perfect image is shattered by the invasion of Russia and the family is forced to flee their beloved homeland. After spending time in India, Maryam and her father move to the United States. Maryam’s otherwise liberal and open-minded father forces her to marry an Afghan despite warnings from some family and friends about her violent streak. And then the Maryam test begins.

Raped, abused and tortured, Maryam finds comfort when she gives birth to a son. All your sufferings become bearable as you lovingly care for your baby. But when he realizes that Durán, his son, could become the victim of his father’s irrepressible fury, he decides to take his son and leave him. Her husband, however, does the unimaginable. He robs two-year-old Duran and flees to Afghanistan. All attempts to get your son back are in vain. Maryam decides to move on, marries Khalid, and moves to Saudi Arabia.

After nearly 16 long years, Maryam finally meets Duran. But what she sees completely destroys her. A child raised by an abusive father in a war-torn country had lost his innocence and charm. All Maryam could do was pray for his well-being.

Because the Love of a Son is strong and intense. Sasson’s captivating storytelling makes her very engaging and stays on your mind for a long time. A mother’s emotional turmoil and a woman’s right to exist with dignity are two factors that arise in her thoughts when she reads this fascinating book. If you like this particular genre, you can’t dislike this one.