Blue Blood Mirage

About the Book

Life for Faryal and her family is far from uncomplicated. Upon their return to Afghanistan from Jordan, her father, Jalal Sitam, learns that he is no longer welcomed by his own government and that his cousins are trying to steal his property—and by extension, his future.

Romaan, Jalal's friend's son, asks that Faryal be granted to him in marriage. On what should have been a joyous day, Faryal is kidnapped by Sardar, a powerful and dangerous criminal. Her family quickly agrees to pay the million dollars Sardar demands, but that is of little consolation for Faryal. Fearing more for her chastity than for her life, she makes a frantic choice, but even death cannot save her; her attempt at suicide fails. Desperate, she begs her kidnapper, a middle-aged man with two children, to marry her, to salvage what little honor she may still have.

Devastated by the news, Jalal tries to stop her marriage to the criminal, but his plans are thwarted. He must learn that even men can be pawns in the same game. This is just a glimpse of adventure in Faryal's life. As Faryal's journey continues and the story unravels further, it takes more unimaginable twists and turns right to the end.

When the upper class sets standards, everyone must abide by them. They see everything perfect and build a mirage in their outlooks, mentalities, and approaches, which makes life more difficult than it already is. Afghan women have suffered for a million reasons that have not been their intrinsic faults. This novel, inspired by true events, is an exploration on the cultural injustices done to women.

About the Author

Name: Nasrat Esmaty Email: nasrat.esmaty@gmail.com Facebook ID: Nasrat Esmaty Novel's Website: www.facebook.com/bbmirage

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan on March 27. When I was 7 yrs old, we had to flee to Peshawar, Pakistan due to Soviet invasion of our country. I went to Afghan school in Pakistan and studied until I graduated (class 12) in 1999.

I taught ESL for four years from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, I started working as an HR/Admin person for International Medical Corps (IMC). In 2001, I found a job at the US Embassy in Kabul as Economic/Commercial Assistant and repatriated to Afghanistan. Luckily, I got admission at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton and completed a degree in liberal arts in 2009.

Later, I got a job at Mount Madonna Center (MMC) in California in 2010 as a Field Officer. After working for a short time at MMC, I realized I could be of better service to my own Afghans, so I repatriated to Afghanistan. I started working at Human Rights Research & Advocacy Consortium (HRRAC) as Communication Officer, Research Consultant and later on as its Deputy Director.

I always aspired to be a writer. I was lucky enough to hear a real life story and base my novel on it. I quit my job and started promoting my novel. I have only taken a couple of writing assignments as a Writing Consultant for a couple of international firms.

My hobbies include cricket, chess, event planning, working out/exercising, traveling and internet surfing. I speak Pashto, Dari, English, and Urdo and I understand Hindi.