"Good People" | Reviewed by William Winkler

First time novelist Patmeena Sabit was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. As an infant she and her family fled to Pakistan after the Soviet invasion of her native land in 1979. The family immigrated to the United States, where she grew up in Virginia before moving to Canada, where she attended McGill University.

Sabit’s debut novel, “Good People,” is based on her experiences as an Afghan native attempting to assimilate into Western culture.

The novel tells the story of the Sharaf family, from their arrival in Virginia in the late 90s to their abrupt departure more than a decade later. The family consisted of father Rahmat, his wife Maryam, and their four children, two boys and two girls.

Rahmat, the son of a bricklayer in Kabul, desired more for his family than he could provide by driving a taxi, the destination of so many Afghan immigrants of his generation. By backbreaking work, shrewd manipulation, and more than a little nefarious behavior Rahmat was able to build a lucrative and growing real estate empire. The family moved into a spacious home in one of northern Virginia’s most luxurious neighborhoods.

All seemed the epitome of the American dream until a tragedy beyond explanation brought everything crashing down upon the family’s head.

Sabit’s novel does not proceed in typical fashion. It tells its story, one brief episode at a time, through statements from family and friends of the Sharaf’s, as well as quotes from reporters, public safety officials, and other sources. These quotations look at the family from varied viewpoints, many of which seem contradictory. At no point in the story are any of the Sharaf family quoted directly.

The novel’s most striking achievement lies in leading the reader through the storyline with ever-changing twists and turns of perspective. The author’s ability to maintain multiple narrative voices is a result of the 10 years she worked on the book. Many of the people quoted are members of the Afghan community in Virginia, yet each is distinct, not examples of a monolithic culture.

“Good People” is effective on multiple levels. It gives the reader a look into the culture of an immigrant people. Its story unfolds subtly while keeping the reader engaged on every page. And its ending challenges the reader to decide how to interpret the book’s interwoven revelations.

Buy the book