February 2017 Krista Bremer's "My Accidental Jihad: A Love Story"

"My Accidental Jihad: A Love Story" by Krista Bremer was recommended by a follower of Sisters of the Desert Sun after Bremer's appearance at a literary festival.  SDS decided a love story would be an appropriate choice for February but after reading this memoir, members found themselves turning the pages a second or even third time trying to find the love. 

It is difficult to judge or make critical statements regarding someone's memoir, because it is truly their story.  We can't change the dialogue, experiences or outcomes.  We can only act as voyeurs and glimpse the pieces of the author's life she has chosen to share.  

I can say without reservation that Krista Bremer's writing was art.  Bremer wrote with delicate eloquence.  She engaged her readers at the outset; however, echoes of elitism and ageism were not faint, and for a group like Sisters of the Desert Sun the concept of privilege dominated our discussion.  As Americans, race notwithstanding, we move and breathe through our lives with expectations not afforded to people from developing nations.  This was glaring throughout the book.  Frankly, the author's seeing the world through white-gaze made this memoir somewhat sad.  It was as if Bremer was biting an apple that she just could not taste.  Even so, "My Accidental Jihad: A Love Story" is indeed a compelling story and it challenged members of SDS to self-reflect and check our privilege at the door. 

-Karen Rowe Gilliland