Perspective

The author of the book I Dared to Call Him Father is the subject of the book and therefore written from her point of view. The chronological account of Bilquis Sheikh's conversion from the Islamic faith to Christianity reveals the roller-coaster of emotions that Bilquis faces during this sojourn. Initially, Bilquis is scared of an unknown presence she feels about her. Her dreams of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist while not scary in content, are frightening to her in their potential meaning.

Bilquis Sheikh is a high-born member of Pakistan's ruling class. Her ancestors enjoyed this status for the last 700 years. She is a 46-year-old Muslim who is intelligent and well-educated. Bilquis is looked up to in her community of Wah, Pakistan. When a woman of this position dares to violate the strict Islamic laws against conversion to any faith, it is considered and sin and a...