The profound bond between Husain and his great-uncle Jerry Devine began when Husain’s mother gently encouraged her son to reconnect with him, a man he had not known well. This simple suggestion marked a pivotal moment in Husain’s life, especially after losing his beloved grandfather, Dan Devine. As Husain reached out, he discovered a warm and welcoming relationship blossoming between them. With his wealth of stories and shared family history, Devine quickly became an important figure in Husain’s life. Their relationship deepened to the extent that Devine officiated at Husain’s wedding. In this renewed connection, driven by curiosity and the desire to honor their family legacy, they embarked on an ambitious project together, writing a book that chronicles the rich and diverse lives of Devine and his siblings from childhood through adulthood.

In their work, Husain and Devine investigate family history utilizing a distinctive interview format, wherein Husain assumes the role of the interviewer and Devine that of the interviewee. This methodology proves to be engaging, as both Husain and the readers uncover the answers to questions regarding family history concurrently. The readers are placed in Husain's position, keenly anticipating the revelations from Devine. Furthermore, Husain does not hesitate to address challenging questions that confront sensitive topics. The book underscores the significance of re-establishing connections with family members, demonstrating how these relationships can provide meaningful support during both favorable and adverse circumstances. In this compelling narrative, the authors adeptly intertwine the profound experiences of Devine and his siblings with substantial historical events, thereby offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the context that shaped their lives.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home