Where the air is sweet

This things packs a hefty emotional wallop. A semi-autobiographical account of the expulsion of nearly 80,000 Asians from Uganda during the reign of Idi Amin. Relegated to a footnote in the history books the exiled Asians had called Uganda home for generations. Had built businesses, families, lives in their adopted country only to be told they had 90 days to leave.

It's an incredibly beautiful story. Raju's early encounter with the boy Prem is finely wrought and echoes the larger theme of the book. There are so many interconnected themes shot throughout.

The book stands on it's own merits. But as added bonus, author Tasneem Jamal is from Kitchener. The family's journey there references local landmarks like the Schneider's highway sign and Howard Robertson school for that giddy feeling of familiarity.

This is one of those books you just want everyone to read.