The House of Djinn (Shabanu Series) - Softcover

Staples, Suzanne Fisher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0307976424 ISBN 13: 9780307976420

Publisher: Random House Children's Books, 2012

Synopsis

Mumtaz, daughter of Shabanu, has lived with her father's traditional Muslim family for 10 years, enduring the scorn of her auntie Leyla day in and day out. Her only protectors are her uncle Omar and Baba, patriarch of the Amirzai tribe, but even they would disown her if they knew she had a crush on a Hindu boy. The only person Mumtaz can confide in is her cousin Jameel. Unfortunately, Jameel lives with his parents in California and he's been out of touch since he fell in love with a Jewish girl. 

When Baba dies unexpectedly, Mumtaz's world is thrown into chaos. Without Baba keeping order in the tribe, Mumtaz and Jameel find themselves thrust together in the middle of an ongoing power struggle—the same one that sent Shabanu into hiding a decade earlier.

A compelling conclusion to the trilogy that began with the Newbery Honor Book Shabanu and continued in Haveli,The House of Djinn explores the delicate balance between freedom and tradition in modern-day Pakistan.

About this title

About the Author

SUZANNE FISHER STAPLES is an award-winning author whose novels for young adults include Dangerous Skies, Shiva's Fire, the Newbery Honor Book Shabanu, and its sequel, Haveli. Before writing books, she worked for many years as a UPI correspondent in Asia, with stints in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. She currently resides in Nicholson, Pennsylvania.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From The House of Djinn

Selma led her to the doorway of the beautiful hand-carved marble summer pavilion that stood in the center of the courtyard, and ducked through the entry first. Mumtaz followed, and again her eyes had to adjust. A small figure stood in the middle of the spacious pavilion lit by the sun filtered through the intricate latticework of the screens that formed the walls. Mumtaz took two steps forward. 

“My Mumtaz,” said Shabanu and held her arms open. Mumtaz turned her head toward Selma, not quite believing her eyes and ears.

“Is it my mother?” she asked Selma, who nodded, her face opening in an encouraging smile. Mumtaz looked back toward her mother in disbelief, unable to move. For a moment she just stared.

“I’ve waited so long to see you,” said Shabanu, moving toward her daughter. “I couldn’t tell you I was here, and all the while I was living just to see you again.” Mumtaz couldn’t find her voice and her feet felt planted in the stone floor. Shabanu approached her slowly and put her arms around Mumtaz. “I’ve dreamed of holding you every minute since the last time,” Shabanu said.

“I don’t understand!” Mumtaz said, unaware that tears streamed down her face. She stood rigidly and Shabanu continued to hold her. “You’ve been here all this time?” Mumtaz asked. “And you let me believe you were dead?”

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Children's Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0307976424
• ISBN 13: 9780307976420
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 222