Kathryn Abdul-baki writes with a nuanced sensibility, often exploring themes of identity and cultural collision, shaped by her international upbringing. Her works delve into the complexities of human relationships and the search for belonging across diverse settings. The author's style is celebrated for its evocative power and deep understanding of the human psyche. Her writing offers a significant contribution to contemporary multicultural literature.
The story explores the profound impact of a devastating stillbirth on Joy and Richard, a New York couple. As they grapple with their grief, they face challenges such as infidelity and divorce, leading to the complexities of an illegitimate child. Their journey through heartache and turmoil ultimately leads them to a path of reconciliation, highlighting themes of loss, resilience, and the struggle to rebuild a fractured relationship.
This cross-cultural, Arab/American story-an optimistic tale of joy, renewal, and the power of love, music, and dance-explores how a young girl growing up in Tehran and Kuwait experiences the loss of her American mother and her brother, yet is lifted from grief through the love of her devoted Arab father and her strong women relatives.