Checkers

In the novel, checkers symbolizes the courage and intelligence necessary to pursue a good life. Naani Jaan teaches Anvar to play checkers when he is young, and she uses the game as a metaphor for various pieces of sage wisdom that she passes down to him.

Faris Family’s Move

The Faris family’s immigration to America symbolizes the transformative nature of crossing borders. After the family moves to the United States, Anvar struggles with his identity as someone who was born and raised in Pakistan, and whose youth and adulthood are in the U.S.

Refugees

The refugee journey of Azza, Qais, and Abu symbolizes the dysfunction of Ameircan foreign policy. Azza, Qais, and Abu are driven from their homes by violence caused by the U.S. military. Their only path to safety is then to enter the U.S. as persecuted undocumented immigrants.

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