I received an ARC through Goodreads.
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I would give it 3.5 stars.

I just finished this book this morning. All I can say is wow.

The first portion of the book was filled with some background information of the history and politics in Pakistan. They were interesting but a little confusing to try and follow and the transition between this and the Reza family's story was a little abrupt.

The rest of the book was mostly told from the perspectives of the Reza family and quite honestly they are all fascinating in their own way. It's interesting how the events going on in Pakistan influenced each member of the family in different ways. Especially, how 2 turned out to be good citizens and 1 turned into a fanatic. It certainly was interesting to see into the mind frame of those who bring about terror and how they have been able to accomplish so much that they would deem a "success". Also, this story gives us a brief glimpse into the struggle and growth of a teetering nation and it's lack of stability.

Overall, most of the book was an interesting read. ( )

The Bargain in the Bazaar

A highly readable account of the current situation in Pakistan centered on the Reza family whose head Awais is an ex soldier turned merchant espousing a middle class life style from his shop in the bazaar. You follow with anguish the travail of his wife and sons, one of which becomes a suicide bomber. Clearly conveyed are the human elements and attitudes of Pakistani society at both ends of the spectrum from decency and honesty to radical fundamentalism. In the end honesty prevails, a welcome change from the more rabid portrayals of Pakistan offered by the media and others. A must read. ( )

Although not usually a reader of nonfiction, the glowing reviews of this book made me very curious. I can’t say I was disappointed. The author has done an excellent job of painting a picture of Pakistan that helps reveal the complexities of that country. By looking at one family’s experience, the reader can get an impression of the many disparate forces at work in that land. My heart goes out to that family who are caught between a desire for the best for their sons, a love of their country as it has been for them, and the forces that are intent on taking their land back to the dark ages. As a mother of two very different sons, I could relate how brothers raised under the same roof each receiving the same love of parents can go very different ways.

The author gives just enough history of Pakistan before presenting the lives of the Reza family. He doesn’t spend time attempting to explain the political situation and the deep corruption of the government but shows how the politics and corruption affect this one family. Every direction the family turns is filled with uncertainty and danger. I can’t even begin to imagine living life like that.

My only complaint about the book is the style of the dialogue. Ullah is definitely an experienced writer of non-fiction; he is more interested in facts than emotional connection with the reader. While much of the dialogue was very believable, it seemed stilted and “informative” rather than the natural give and take between speakers. Minor concern: it is a book worth reading to help those of us who live in an isolated world walk for just a short time in very unfamiliar shoes. ( )

Amidst the political and economic chaos of Pakistan are people like the Reza family attempting to lead an ordinary life just like the rest of us. The Bargain from the Bazaar does an excellent job of providing a story behind the headlines that Pakistan seems to be in so often these days. This book makes it personal - behind any headlines are so many stories like this one if we but take the time to understand.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/02/the-bargain-from-bazaar.html

*** Reviewed for GoodReads First Reads program *** ( )

Based on the true story of the Reza family of Lahore,Pakistan, The Bargain from the Bazaar offers up a glimpse of life for an ordinary family in the midst of political turmoil, fundamentalist furor, and the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Within the story, one receives somewhat of an abridged history lesson on Pakistan, as well as an understanding of what the Pakistani people feel, believe and yearn for, from many different sides, be it fundamentalist Islamist, Moderate, middle-class merchants, democratic-minded university students, the military and the law makers. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the story, as well as the twists and turns that pop up every so often. I would highly recommend this book to any who are interested in current affairs, politics or history, as well as those who would like to have a better understanding of what the Pakistani people must deal with on a day to day basis. The story jumps quickly from one character and their part in the story to another in rapid pace; I found this enjoyable, as it added to the already chaotic nature of the story. I am interested in reading more from Haroon K. Ullah. ( )