The Faint Ringing of a Caravan Bell: An Afghan Daughter's Odyssey - Trina Kayeum Shahbaz

Trina Shahbaz was born and grew up in Afghanistan, where her father

worked as a high-ranking government official. When she was fifteen, her

parents sent her to the United States to continue her education at

Emma Williard, an all-girls boarding school in Troy, New York.

In this poignant coming-of-age memoir, Trina takes the reader along

with her on the many paths of her odyssey--from her beloved

homeland to an alien culture, from childhood and a large loving family

to young adulthood, from the embrace of a close-knit family to foreign

classrooms and dorm rooms where her fellow students knew little of

her Afghan roots.

As she adjusts to her new life, Trina endures intense homesickness, a

demanding educational system, and at times, mocking classmates. Yet

this is also a time of great self-discovery, academic enlightenment, and

rewarding friendships. She finds strength in the wisdom of her culture,

expressed through the words of Farsi poets. While growing up, her

beloved father often quoted excerpts from these writings to his

daughter to arm her with insight and courage as she faced life's

challenges.

Trina skillfully weaves these ballads, poems, and religious texts into her

story, connecting her journey through adolescence at Emma Willard to

the age-old knowledge of her ancient culture. In The Faint Ringing of a

Caravan Bell, Trina reaches deep into her heart to share her pain and joy

with the reader, ultimately overcoming the obstacles and embracing

her future.

All net proceeds from book sales will be donated to Foundation for the

Educational Development of Afghans in Afghanistan (FEDAA.org), whose

vision is that every Afghan be educated to thrive, inspire, and unite.