G: Growing Up Bin Laden (2022 A-Z)
Growing Up Bin Laden
I feel the sudden temperature drop in the café, but realize the icy stares are not directed at me. She stands straight, looking everyone in the eye. She’s been through this before.
He’s huge. 7 feet, 300 pounds maybe. Potbellied, tattoos fading, almost bald. He sucks in air. And spits. I watch it land on her cheek; she rubs it off.
Minutes pass. The café empties out. I walk over to her.
“What really happened?” I ask.
“My name. Fatima … ” she pauses, “Bin Laden.”
“Hmm. But … that doesn’t mean you’re related.”
She sighs, “I’m his daughter.”
This is one of those things where most of us are aware of the basic premise. But based on accounts from his first wife and fourth son, this book Growing Up Bin Laden puts you smack in the middle of it all. There were sections where I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read more. If I could take more. I would take a break, contemplate, and then continue. This is not a book of defense, or justifications, or even an accusatory write up. It just recounts. Through memories and incidents of what shaped the man, and their world. It’s unbelievable what faith can push one to do. I only wish faith in hope and humanity could be equally stronger if not more.
I have written this 100-word flash fiction for the 2022 Edition of the Blogging A-Z Challenge, a blogging event held every April. Click here to read more on the challenge! My chosen theme for this year is flash fiction driven book recommendations. Even if you aren’t a book reader, you might enjoy the flash fiction. And if you’re participating as well, do leave your blog site in the comments!
For other posts in this series: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Well said
I had planned to read the book earlier, but then dropped the idea , as I am too sensitive 🥺 and certain incidents could remain implanted in my memory forever …. could make it difficult to concentrate on my daily life . But yes it seems pretty intriguing and facts are always more unbelievable than fiction .
Great review Deepa 👏 👌 👍
I’ve read this book and you’ve really portrayed the burden these people had to carry. I think anyone that had someone close to them involved in any type of crime will feel this way, from the children of high ranking Nazis as Alana mentioned, to the serial killers (such as Dennis Raider, who I’ve written about in depth myself) and his family) who have to live with knowing he was doing these things while loving them. What cognitive dissonance it must cause, and unless they defend the undefendable, all we can really do is be compassionate, I guess.
I’m talking about G for Gaming in my latest post at Kaiberie.com 🙂
I remember reading the story of several children of high Nazi officials and how they coped with the knowledge once they were adults. Some cut all contact with their families and tried to make amends as they could. Others took on the Nazi philosophy themselves. What a sad burden to have to carry and it would be no different for relatives of Bin Laden. Visiting from A to Z
Thanks for visiting it is much appreciated . . . . . It will be interesting to see if the war in Ukraine will have implications for the family of Mr Putin.
Omg I got goosebumps. I guess I can’t read the book, I’ll get really disturbed if just one account of the book made me feel like this. Faith… I think we should just have faith in better tomorrow instead of using Faith to make someone feel humiliated. Faith can be used for so much good if used correctly.
See you around the A-Z challenge!
Hope you stop by my blog https://momandideas.com/
Faith or belief system could convert an individual either as most humble or extreme cruel.
Anything right or wrong could depend on perspectives.
What US country has been doing suddenly becomes a crime if done by Russia which although doesnt justify inhuman behaviour from either.
Sharing 3 instances:
1. Being at Japan, Hiroshima war memorial, i felt the showcase was trying to make Japanese feel sad and repent on the action of their forefathers.
2. Being at Vietnam war memorial, showcase was trying to let Vietnamese take pride of what their forefathers did to americans.
3. Being at India, Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh to see some involved Brit name still being addressed by their respectful ranks and those died were just a list of names.
I have a nice painting at home with a message at the bottom that reads “Truth is always more important than facts”
But the harsh reality is facts could be manipulated to make it look more powerful than truth.
Anyway will give a stop to my “Kisse” and keep going with your short, impactful and awesome “Kahaniya” 😂
Good going deeps…many start off to bring change but some put the wrong foot forward… is it justified? Nobody knows … the results are borne by all of us, for a long time to come
I wish the same. I agree with Marx here, religion is the opium of people., it forces them to do unthinkable things. I wish… hope and humanity was way stronger than religion.
This one I want to read some day when I can take it. Always had been curious about this book.
Good day
Nice one !!