THE LUCKY ONES A Memoir

Zara Chowdhary's writing and film background are evident in a cinematic memoir that recounts the disastrous 2002 train fire that killed 57 Hindus, ignited Muslim prejudice, and fueled riots in the state of Gujarat, India. Chowdhary describes her innocence at age 16 and her feelings of confusion, disbelief, and dawning horror as the events unfolded. Her accented English and occasional exchanges in an Indian dialect anchor listeners to her personal experience and provide context for her family's past, as well as India's. Her quiet style establishes intimacy and trust so that when Chowdhary sounds dispassionate while recounting the many instances of the rape, abuse, and murder of Muslims, listeners hear her underlying tones of sadness and grief. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2024]