A Quest for Identity
From Afghanistan to the World
Where would I be living now. . .
if I had been born in a land where the break of dawn was not met by exploding bombs? Where dusk did not promise to hide the cold bodies on the side of the road, and peace was not just a dream?
A Quest for Identity is the story of Parastu Ahang Mehdawi and her search for a home across three continents.
Her journey starts as a young girl when the war sliced her family into fragments. In these pages, we get a glimpse of the various turbulent times she survived: the gunshots, the bombs, and the calamities of war. In seeking asylum in the West, her identity and sense of self suffers. After decades of hard work and soul-searching, the metamorphosed woman inside reflects on the people who shaped her life along the way. No longer does the war survivor who lost her youth see herself only as a daughter, wife, and mother. She comes to believe that she is more than that.
A Quest for Identity is for those who have lived their lives neglected due to circumstances outside of their control.
It is for the woman who lives in a male-dominated society, for whom freedom is only a word in the dictionary.
This book is for anyone who wants to follow the path of self-discovery.
Praise for A Quest for Identity
“With honesty and courage, Parastu Ahang Mehdawi tells her story of leaving Afghanistan, struggling to establish herself in Germany, and eventually rebuilding her life in Canada. Ultimately the story about searching for one’s voice and place in the world – I rooted for her every step of the way!”
– Marcia Walker, Author
“No one had ever asked me about myself before, who I am as a person, as a woman. What did it mean, my happiness, my dreams, my longings?” This is the story of the author’s long journey to find herself. She unveils her life as a teenager in war-torn Afghanistan as she searches for who she is now. From Afghanistan to Prague and Paris, from Germany to Canada, we travel with her as she finds her way through life.
I was intrigued right from start – A Quest for Identity. I wanted to know about this woman and where her story was going. As the story moved through the years, I was drawn into her world and felt that I was right beside her as she remembered her past. Her fears, confusion and happiness became mine. She drew me not only into her real world but also into the world of the young girl inside.
I read about hope, fear, and her passion for literature and poetry. The book shares the thoughts of a teen moving forward and not sure what the future holds. It is a story about a refugee finding her way in the world. It is her “lifelong affair to be somebody.”
– Patricia Bailey, Author
“A Quest for Identity by Parastu Ahang Mehdawi is an exceptional inspirational and motivational memoir that grips the reader from the start till the end. The story profoundly resonated with me and touched me in so many ways that not many books have. Mostly because I also come from Afghanistan with similar memories. Similar to the author’s experience, my ears also became acquainted with the sound of the bomb explosions and the rockets. As I was reading the author’s experience about her uncle’s sudden imprisonment, I couldn’t stop shedding tears as I also lost my own father and my two uncles during that time and never saw them again. Parastu clearly explains the reason behind this tragedy.
Through the collection of her diaries, Parastu points out at the hardship and racism she encountered as a teenage refugee in Germany which made her question her identity. She wondered what if she was not born in a war torn country. Like many of us, Parastu tirelessly strived hard to become her own individual with an identity, education, carrier and freedom. Luckily, with the help of Frau Bors, a German teacher Parastu not only learned language but experienced hope and courage, as well.
Parastu’s love for poetry is evident in her vivid memoir that the reader will find it hard to believe it is not fiction. Once I started reading this heart-touching book, I could hardly put it away. The author’s resilience and successful goal achievement is a great inspiration for many younger generations. This book brings up a light to many issues not a lot people may have experienced.”
– FM
“As an immigrant myself, this book was very relatable. From the deep sadness of lost roots to the ups and downs of hope and living in a new world without one’s family, this book keeps the reader engaged in Parastu’s journey. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are memories of her childhood growing up in Afghanistan, which is so interesting as those insights are not easily seen or found in news and media today. An amazing book which allows the reader to walk in the author’s shoes and almost feel her own emotions as her journey progresses. Great work and a must read!”
– Ahmad
“On the surface a Quest for Identity written by Parastu Ahang-Mehdawi is about a woman’s journey from Afghanistan to the world. This story however details the challenges that millions have faced and continue to face due to war. Now more than ever is this story relevant, my heart aches at what war does to innocent people. What makes this story so unique is the way Parastu integrates her poetry inside her story. It is evident that Parastu put her entire heart and soul into this story. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it to everyone.”
– Dominic Jansen
“A Quest For Identity is a beautiful, well written, and poignant journey of the author’s struggles and triumphs. It’s a page turner and the style of writing takes you on a journey with Parastu from her childhood in Afghanistan to her adolescence in Germany as we follow her on the path of self discovery. A must read!”
– Lina
“This autobiography touched my heart. It is a story that needs to be told and shared as it could give hope and strength to those facing similar life challenges. The story of Parastu’s journey from Afghanistan to Germany to Canada is well written, thought provoking, and makes one want to know where her life will take her next. How she shares her story of resilience and her commitment to her family, is inspiring. I hope that there is more to come from this author.”
– S. Harvey
