The Faint Ringing of a Caravan Bell

by Trina Kayeum Shahbaz

Description Trina Shahbaz was born and grew up in Afghanistan, where her fatherworked as a high-ranking government official. When she was fifteen, herparents sent her to the United States to continue her education atEmma Williard, an all-girls boarding school in Troy, New York.In this poignant coming-of-age memoir, Trina takes the reader alongwith her on the many paths of her odyssey--from her belovedhomeland to an alien culture, from childhood and a large loving familyto young adulthood, from the embrace of a close-knit family to foreignclassrooms and dorm rooms where her fellow students knew little ofher Afghan roots.As she adjusts to her new life, Trina endures intense homesickness, ademanding educational system, and at times, mocking classmates. Yetthis is also a time of great self-discovery, academic enlightenment, andrewarding friendships. She finds strength in the wisdom of her culture, expressed through the words of Farsi poets. While growing up, herbeloved father often quoted excerpts from these writings to hisdaughter to arm her with insight and courage as she faced life'schallenges.Trina skillfully weaves these ballads, poems, and religious texts into herstory, connecting her journey through adolescence at Emma Willard tothe age-old knowledge of her ancient culture. In The Faint Ringing of aCaravan Bell, Trina reaches deep into her heart to share her pain and joywith the reader, ultimately overcoming the obstacles and embracingher future. All net proceeds from book sales will be donated to Foundation for theEducational Development of Afghans in Afghanistan (FEDAA.org), whosevision is that every Afghan be educated to thrive, inspire, and unite.