The Making Of Mr Hai's Daughter

Mr Hai arrived in London in 1964. But, while becoming British via a passport had been relatively easy, becoming English was something to be studied - and then passed on, first to his wife, newly arrived from Pakistan, and then to his children. No more speaking Urdu, no more long plaits, no shalwar kameezes, and - even though they were Muslim - no more religion. Mr Hai put his family firmly on the road to assimilation, and his first-born daughter Yasmin was his star pupil. However, being second-generation British Asian was not quite so simple ...especially as their Muslim community was about to go through some very profound changes and challenges.

Brilliantly told, with intelligence and humour and passion, this is a fascinating story about immigration and identity, about religion and roots, and about a daughter's understanding of her father.

Short-listed for Muslim Writers Award for Best Published Non-Fiction 2009 (UK)

“'[Yasmin Hai] is ebullient and sharply humorous about the conflicts and confusions of growing up and adapting toa country (and a family) in a constant state of political flux and, often, social fantasy. Her personality is as engaging as her insights are illuminating.' The Times'Had Mr Hai succeeded in turning his daughter into an Englishwoman? I'm not sure it really matters any more, but his kindly influence obviously enabled his little Yasmin to write this unbelievably funny, passionate autobiography.' Spectator'A thoughtful, funny memoir on the realities of immigration' Guardian (Guide ? for the Radio 4 Book of the Week)'A very personal story filled with family tales, social history and politics, and making an important contribution to the debate about life in modern multicultural Britain.' Waterstones Books Quarterly'In this touching memoir, the pivotal tension between intent and reality is conveyed with grace and humour . . . At long last, we have a young British Muslim woman writing about her life . . . Her story perfectly caters some of the small, daily dilemmas of an immigrant's life . . . The book is a gem, from a Briton who needs no lessons on Britishness.' Mail on Sunday”

[Yasmin Hai] is ebullient and sharply humorous about the conflicts and confusions of growing up and adapting toa country (and a family) in a constant state of political flux and, often, social fantasy. Her personality is as engaging as her insights are illuminating. - The Times

Had Mr Hai succeeded in turning his daughter into an Englishwoman? I m not sure it really matters any more, but his kindly influence obviously enabled his little Yasmin to write this unbelievably funny, passionate autobiography. - Spectator

A thoughtful, funny memoir on the realities of immigration - Guardian (Guide - for the Radio 4 Book of the Week)

Yasmin Hai was born in North London in 1970 where she continues to live. She is a current affairs journalist and documentary producer/director. Her television work includes BBC's Newsnight programme as well as award winning documentaries for Channel 4.

Mr Hai arrived in London in 1964. But, while becoming British via a passport had been relatively easy, becoming English was something to be studied - and then passed on, first to his wife, newly arrived from Pakistan, and then to his children. No more speaking Urdu, no more long plaits, no shalwar kameezes, and - even though they were Muslim - no more religion. Mr Hai put his family firmly on the road to assimilation, and his first-born daughter Yasmin was his star pupil. However, being second-generation British Asian was not quite so simple ...especially as their Muslim community was about to go through some very profound changes and challenges.Brilliantly told, with intelligence and humour and passion, this is a fascinating story about immigration and identity, about religion and roots, and about a daughter's understanding of her father.

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