David and Ameena

In a subway train in modern-day New York, David, an American-Jewish jazz musician, and Ameena, a British-Pakistani artist, meet and fall in love despite their differences. However, their relationship faces challenges from their ambitions and the city. Ami Rao's debut novel explores the question of whether love can give us the freedom to accept our differences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: Fairlight Books

In the bustling streets of modern-day New York, a subway train carries a diverse array of passengers, each with their own unique stories and struggles. Among them is David, an American-Jewish jazz musician who is torn between his dreams and the expectations of his traditional Jewish parents. As the train rumbles through the city, David's eyes meet those of Ameena, a British-Pakistani artist who has left her conservative family in Manchester to pursue her passion for art in the Big Apple.

At first glance, David and Ameena seem like complete opposites. David is rooted in his cultural heritage and values, while Ameena is a free-spirited artist who embraces her differences and challenges societal norms. However, as the train continues its journey, a moment of sublime beauty occurs, and David and Ameena are drawn together, connected by their shared experience of navigating the complexities of identity and love.

Their connection is electric, and they spend every moment they can together, exploring the city and discovering new things about each other. As their love grows, David and Ameena face the challenges that come with their relationship. They come from different backgrounds and have different aspirations for their future. David dreams of becoming a successful jazz musician, while Ameena wants to make a name for herself as an artist.

As they navigate their relationship, David and Ameena discover that the external world is not so easy to keep at bay. They face discrimination and prejudice from people who don't understand their love and their differences. But they refuse to let anyone or anything come between them, determined to embrace their love and live their lives on their terms.

Ami Rao's masterful debut novel "The World and All That It Holds" takes a deep dive into the lives of David and Ameena, stripping them of their collective identities and forcing them to face the challenge of today: can love give us the freedom to accept our differences? Through the characters of David and Ameena, Rao explores the complexities of identity, culture, and love, offering a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of the human experience.

In the end, "The World and All That It Holds" is a beautiful and inspiring story of love, resilience, and the power of embracing our differences. It reminds us that love has the ability to break down barriers and bring people together, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912054275