Book Report

As young widow Rehana Haque awakes one March morning, she might be forgiven for feeling happy. Her children are almost grown, the city is buzzing with excitement after recent elections. Change is inthe air.
But no one can foresee what will happen in the days and months that follow. For this is East Pakistan in 1971, a country on the brink of war. And this family’s life is about to changeforever.
Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, ‘A Golden Age’ is a story of passion and revolution, of hope, faith, and unexpected heroism. In the chaos of this era, everyone mustmake choices. And as she struggles to keep her family safe, Rehana will be forced to face a heartbreaking dilemma.
A family during the struggle between East and West Pakistan. Pakistan was a countrysplit by India – the people in East and West Pakistan spoke different languages, had different cultures. All the common people wanted was to be safe and live their lives.
Rehana is a young widow inEast Pakistan who does all she can to give her children the best. She loses them to her brother-in-law after her husband dies as she has no means to support them. She manages to get them back, butthis loss affects her choices for the rest of her life.
As her children grow up, Rehana is a good place in life. She has her routine, her friends and her yearly celebrations. But with the changingpolitical climate in the country, this state of contentment cannot last very long. Rehana’s children Maya and Sohail get caught up in the political movement – a pro-Bangla stance.
Motherhood is a strongtheme of the story. And the idea of belonging and a place to call home. Maya and Sohail are willing to take radical steps to make sure that their country is truly the people’s and are willing to takethe necessary risks to see this happen. Rehana would never have gotten involved in any of these dangerous events if not for her children’s conviction and her unquestioning love and support of them....