Unimagined: A Muslim Boy Meets the West by Imran Ahmad (Signed)
A book of the year pick by both The Guardian and The Independent, this is a deliciously funny and painfully insightful look at a life lived between two worlds.
At age one, Pakistan-born Imran Ahmad moved to London and grew up torn between his Islamic identity and his desire to embrace the West. In this endearing memoir, Imran recalls his childhood in a series of vivid snapshots: outrage as deserved victory is snatched away from him in the Karachi Bonnie Baby contest by third world corruption and injustice; bitterness as he is tricked out of his collection of Tarzan bubble-gum cards by junior con artists; the heady taste of success in the Metropolitan Police schools quiz; joy at passing the entrance exam to the local grammar school; uncertainty as he seeks to become a doctor; bewilderment as he tries to learn about women at university; and shock at experiencing racism in its many forms.
As he grows, Imran stumbles through life encountering colourful characters, philosophical dilemmas, and theological threats. Will he really be “left behind” if he doesn’t embrace Jesus Christ as his personal saviour? Will he be sent to Hell for having coffee with girls (especially non-Muslim ones)? Is there a correlation between studying and passing exams, or is it entirely the will of God? Is it okay to be Western and Muslim, or are the two irreconcilable? And what about America, that alluring land of many contradictions?
Eventually Imran embarks on a determined quest to become the quintessential English gentleman: tie perfectly knotted, shirt pristinely ironed, hair neatly combed. Like most boys, he has a parallel obsession with cars and girls: he yearns to drive off into the distance in a Jaguar XJS and encounter danger, adventure—and a vivacious young woman (preferably brunette, but any kind considered).
Today Imran continues to write on his website and his blog.
Hardback | 288 pages
129 x 197 x 27.94mm | 408.23g
01 Oct 2008
Aurum Press
London, United Kingdom
English
1845132289
9781845132286
Condition: Like New
A book that looks new but has been read. Cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included and in very good condition (very minor scuff marks along the edges). No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. The first page has a message written in blue pen by the author which reads: "Maureen, I hope that you enjoy this journey. Bets wishes, Imran Ahmad". Very minimal wear and tear. No missing pages.