Nazar, a boy on the cusp of his 14th birthday, has always enjoyed a peaceful and idyllic life on a simple farm in the Nineveh Plains of Iraq. His days were filled with helping his father with chores, attending the small village school in Karemlesh, and playing soccer with his friends whenever he had a spare moment. However, his quiet world is abruptly shattered when radical militants conquer the city of Mosul and unleash a tsunami of terror across the entire Nineveh Plains region. Faced with the horrifying sight of his own people frantically fleeing the tranquil village he grew up in, desperately seeking safety, Nazar is forced to make challenging decisions that will forever alter the course of his life. Within mere hours, he must leave his boyhood behind and embark on a journey that will forge him into a young man of extraordinary selflessness and courage.Featuring nine expressionist masterpieces by internationally acclaimed Iraqi-American artist Qais Al-Sindy.
Paul T. Mascia is a cum laude graduate of Yale University, where he majored in Religious Studies. His senior thesis was an in-depth analysis of the reformer and Medieval mystic, St Catherine of Siena. Paul has attained over thirty years of experience as an insurance professional with an expertise in the fields of both long-term care and disability insurance. He has a certification in long term care planning (CLTC). Paul and his wife, Theresa, currently live in Columbus, OH. They have five adult children and seven grandchildren. Nazar’s Journey is Mr. Mascia’s first novel, and his first piece of historical fiction. His work aims to realise two important goals during this season of his life: a desire to utilise his creative skills in new ways, as well as to draw attention to the sufferings of displaced peoples in diverse parts of the globe, particularly those facing severe adversity due to their religious beliefs.
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Il viaggio di Nazar di Paul T. Mascia racconta la fuga di un giovane dalla sua casa distrutta dalla guerra in Iraq. Come lettore iraniano, mi ha colpito profondamente per i temi di resilienza, fede e speranza, che riecheggiano le esperienze di tanti nel Medio Oriente. La narrazione riflette la bellezza della diversità culturale e religiosa della regione e celebra l'umanità che emerge anche nei momenti più bui. Nazar, con la sua forza e determinazione, rappresenta lo spirito umano che resiste alle avversità, rendendo questa storia sia straziante che ispirante. Da leggere!
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Nazar’s Journey” by Paul T. Mascia is a compelling narrative that takes us on a riveting journey of a 13-year-old Christian boy, Nazar escaping from his Nineveh village and fleeing to Erbil, Iraq. The story is not just about Nazar’s physical journey, but also a spiritual one, as he receives help from both Christians and non-Christians along the way. One of the standout aspects of Mascia’s writing is his use of the local language, which he skillfully translates for the reader. This not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also allows us to immerse ourselves in the culture and experiences of Nazar. Nazar’s struggle with his faith is a central theme in the book, making his journey relatable to us. His doubts and questions mirror our own, making his character feel real and human. The incorporation of Bible verses throughout the story is done subtly and effectively, adding depth to the narrative without overwhelming it. The artwork in the book, created by an Iraqi-American artist, is another highlight. The illustrations are not only visually appealing but also add another layer of understanding to the story. The explanations provided for each piece of artwork further enhance our appreciation of them. Lastly, the presence of a skylark that follows Nazar on his journey is a unique touch. The bird’s perspective adds an interesting dimension to the story, making it even more engaging. In conclusion, “Nazar’s Journey” is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that explores themes of faith, resilience, and the human spirit. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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Nazar's Journey is a triumph! The novella is a sensitive, poignant, and spiritual depiction of a period in our recent past that has largely been overlooked. Like the religious and tribal slaughters that have taken place across the world in the last half-century, the innumerable civilian tragedies that occurred during the several Iraq invasions have been forgotten or swept under the rug. The ability of the main characters to work together, as well as to respect and support each other, offers an inspiring contrast to the senselessness of war and bigotry.
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The book’s main character Nazar is almost fourteen years old. I read aloud Nazar’s Journey with my fourteen-year-old, Thomas. We followed Nazar from his initial awakening to the bitter reality of violence and destruction that descended on his serene village by the “evil fighters,” through his meeting of trusted neighbors (who became friends), and along the road to his journey’s end. The book’s gentle prose carried us along, imparting both understanding of the appalling situation of Christians in the Middle East and consolation from the charity and courage of the characters. I heartily recommend this lovely short piece of historical fiction, whether you are young, like my son, Thomas, or, like me, not so young.
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Nazar"s Journey is a beautifully written story under the backdrop or true and tragic events. It captivated me from the first page and I couldn't wait to pick it up again to see what happened next. I felt I was traveling in the story with Nazar and inspired by him at the same time. In fact all the characters were thoughtfully brought to life and were so authentic. One of the things I loved was how different religions and cultures were respected and honored by the author. As a lover of historical novels, I could have kept going with the story to see what happened to Nazar next. Maybe the author will consider writing a sequel.
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A true adventure: of tragedy and terror, with an undertone of serenity, brought by the protagonists' firm conviction that they would be protected from harm. A lesson of how to turn to faith in times of devastation, and how to cultivate peace around you by having faith in God, rather than to be consumed by the anxiety brought upon by the news and graphic horrors of war.
I was unable to put the book down, captivated by the protagonist's supernatural will to live and help those around him. The main characters support each other's faith and positivity, refusing to be overtaken by negativity and despair.
Each chapter creates more suspense, and the reader roots for the heroes of the story, who bring goodness, love, and light into the world amidst an evil war.
The book represents the distinction of good and evil in sharp contrast, but proves that good can in fact emerge from evil, and the peace that surpasses all understanding can be felt by those who trust and hope in the goodness of God.
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Reading Nazar’s Journey has been a pure gift! It is a superbly crafted story. The vivid description of the setting flow with ease and accuracy. I immediately felt that I was accompanying the characters and sharing their harrowing experiences of the brutality of war. Beyond the fact that the characters find an inner strength and resourcefulness needed for survival, they are rooted in a hope in the providence of God. To me Nazar’s Journey is an important historical fiction which informs about the plight of the citizens of Iraq in 2014, and the religious persecution of the Iraq Christian community which is among one of the oldest Christian populations on Earth. By reading this story, the reader becomes sensitive to the ongoing tragedies that are currently being faced by an incalculable number of refugees and displaced citizens in a myriad of countries on our planet. More so, Nazar’s Journey caused me to be receptive to that Divine Presence which gives hope even in the bleakest of personal circumstances. Since the main character is a 14-year-old boy, this book will be well-suited for young adults, yet because of the important themes of the novella, accuracy of detail and spiritual undertones, this book will be loved by all ages.
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