Malala’s Favorite Mother-Daughter Memoirs | The New Yorker
Malala Yousafzai recently shared with The New Yorker a selection of memoirs that resonated with her, all exploring the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. These books, she notes, illuminate the often-silent burdens borne by mothers in patriarchal societies and the ways they empower their daughters to forge their own paths.
“How to Say Babylon” by Safiya Sinclair is a memoir recounting a woman’s journey escaping a strict Rastafarian upbringing in Jamaica.Malala drew parallels between Sinclair’s experience and the struggles of mothers worldwide facing subjugation, yet equipping their daughters with the tools for liberation. Despite her father’s restrictions on self-expression, Sinclair’s mother secretly provided her with poetry, fostering a love of literature that ultimately led her to become a writer.
“Minor Characters” by Joyce Johnson focuses on the overlooked young women of the Beat Generation. written by a novelist who once dated Jack Kerouac, the memoir also delves into Johnson’s childhood and her mother’s enterprising desire for her to become a renowned composer. Johnson was compelled to practice piano for hours daily, despite lacking both talent and passion for music. It wasn’t until an elderly composer advised her to pursue only what she loved that she found the courage to follow her own aspirations.Malala observed that Johnson’s story resonates with daughters across cultures who experience a mother’s attempts to mold them into someone they are not.
“Little Panic” by Amanda Stern offers a poignant and often humorous account of a childhood battle with panic disorder.Malala connected with the book’s depiction of parental helplessness when facing a child’s suffering.Stern’s mother, emotionally distant and unpredictable, inadvertently amplified her daughter’s fear of abandonment. However, the memoir also reveals the mother’s own confusion and inability to effectively help her daughter, a feeling Malala recognizes from her own mother’s experience with her mental health struggles. The book fostered empathy for the frustrations parents face when unable to alleviate their child’s internal struggles.
“This American Woman” by Zarna Garg presents a unique perspective on mother-daughter influence. The memoir details how Garg, a stay-at-home mother in her forties, was encouraged by her teenage daughter, Zoya, to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a stand-up comedian.Despite initial reluctance, Garg took the stage at an open mic night and has as built a accomplished comedy career, fueled by Zoya’s unwavering belief in her potential. This book highlights the reciprocal nature of influence within mother-daughter relationships, demonstrating how daughters can empower their mothers to pursue their own ambitions.
