Random Things Tours: The Go-Between by Osman Yousefzada

 

Not all memoirs are made equal. While some may be easily compared to an extensive curriculum vitae, following a very ´evolutionary´ timeline from the early childhood to the coming of age, eventually with some unique drama in between, there are some good ones sharing stories: stories of life, discovery and exploring the world. The intention on both sides is of sharing of what the author considers as a story - his or her story - worth telling. The outstanding difference is the strenth of the storytelling.

The Go-Betwen by visual artist and designer Osman Yousefzada belongs to the second category. Telling a story about one´s life should not be a narcissistic outburst. By sharing one´s story, the author might try offering more than a personal story, but a personal view into unique circumstances. Yousefzada is inviting us to a journey of identity and - at least - dual belonging, to different worlds, languages and traditions. 

Belonging to a Pashtun-Afghan family he grew up in Birmingham in the 1980s-1990s. His migrant experience is unique in terms of the global narrative he is part thereof. He witnesses not only the changing taking place within his own community, but the social changes taking place in Britain as well, particularly the raise of anti-migrant feelings and the widening of the generational and economic gap between different categories.

My favorite part of reading this memoir though is less the informative part (although I appreciated it at its just value) but the storytelling power. Yousefzada writing is so powerful that one can clearly imagine the characters and their adventures, from the outskirts of Birmingham to Kabul river. It makes the reader comfortable within the story nest where one is invited to wander through the memory lanes together with the author, his family and neighbours too.

Indeed, not all immigrant stories are the same, but reading every single one of them makes us aware of the universal human diversity. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own