A family reunion in the shadow of war
Lorraine Ali is writing a book about rediscovering her extended family—and their stories—in the midst of war and displacement.
When America invaded Baghdad in 2003, Ali hadn't seen her Iraqi relatives in almost 30 years. She was living in Brooklyn, while most her aunts, uncles and cousins—all from her father's side of the family—were living in Baghdad.
Though she had worried about them during Desert Storm, and during years of ensuing sanctions, it took a new war to make Ali realize she deeply missed these people she barely knew.
Ali embarked on a journey that would reconnect her with family in the refugee enclaves of Jordan and Syria, uncover a heritage that she thought was all but buried with her late father.
Her book will be published in 2010 by Henry Holt and Company Publishers.
OTHER BOOKS
Lorraine Ali contributed to these titles:
- Da Capo Best Music Writing 2001
- The Rolling Stone Book of Women in Rock: Trouble Girls
- Cobain by Rolling Stone Press