When the French traveller Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States in
1834 he was inspired to write a ground-breaking book containing insights
into the American people and their practices. Though the United States has
changed since the visit of that early sociologist, the mechanics of
democracy, the political expansion of the country and the intriguing daily
practices of average Americans have now inspired another foreign-born author
to create a modern investigation into the nation and its people.
The author of this absorbing book, Syed Arif Hussaini, has cast a keen eye
over his adopted country and come away with a collection of essays
containing a series of sharp observations. Before the advent of today’s
diplomatic quagmire in Iraq, the author, born in Hyderabad State of
South India, composed a shrewd
judgment on the enormous political costs of future American involvement in
that country. Likewise, prior to Hillary Clinton’s bid for the White House,
the well-travelled Hussaini was commenting on the expanding political power
of female politicians.
Thanks to his university education in India and Canada, as well as the many
years he spent residing in a wide variety of countries as a representative
of the Pakistani government, Hussaini is a tremendously gifted witness to
outside events. Nor are his acute powers of the pen restricted to political
matters, for he turns his bemused gaze on the American obsession with
automobiles and contemplates their allegiance to shopping malls.
Additionally, he comments on their sexual habits, bemoans their airports,
and ponders the American search for instant gratification.
Having written for
many years for the prestigious Pakistan Link, the leading newspaper for the
US based Pakistani community, Hussaini’s unique observations make for
refreshing reading about a country that alternatively fascinates and
frightens.
For more
information, please visit
Barnes & Noble or
Amazon.co.uk.
