Good People by Patmeena Sabit

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026--San Antonio

Good People by Patmeena Sabit is a very well written novel.  It's also a frustrating novel to read because it deals with so many societal problems--envy, pressure to conform, attempts to take advantage, different expectations for males and females, mob histeria, lack of acceptance of non-conforming people within religions and between religions, ignorance and prejudice, etc.  The book is the story of a muslim family that has immigrated from Afghanistan to the Greater DC area.  Immediately, problems show up within the expatriate Afghan community there.  They see the father as lower class and feel they are therefore better than the new family.  They think the father is a fool for not following the route they have all taken by first becoming taxi drivers.  But over time, the father builds an international company and becomes the wealthiest of the Afghans in the area which they consider to be unfair since they are from a higher class.  One believes he is owed better chances in life because he is only 3 generations removed from a high ranking leader in Afghanistan, so he tries to weasel his way into the business as a partner.  Then the eldest daughter rebels against the Afghan restrictions for underage and unmarried girls by beginning a secret relationship with an Indian boy.  Those who have been envious of the family within Afghan community are delighted to watch the downfall of their reputation because of the dishonor the daughter is bringing upon it.  Then when the daughter dies, questions are raised of whether it could have been an honor killing.  Suddenly, the envy and excitement expands beyond the Afghan community to include special interest groups and politicians trying to take advantage by promoting outrage against the family.  Social media posts and newspaper articles go overboard in further firing up the rage against the family.  People drive for hundreds of miles to protest in front of the family's home.  In my opinion, it is a story representing changes in American society that have been slowly building for past 40-50 years--reaching the current state of MAGA opinionated rage.  I gave the book 4 1/2 stars out of 5.