Message

One of the most powerful messages expressed in Greetings from Bury Park by Sarfraz Manzoor is that following one’s heart is more fulfilling than living according to others’ expectations. Sarfraz, who was influenced by his parents’ traditional views, follows his own path, even if this means distancing himself from his family. In the end, he realizes that following his heart and pursuing the career he wished for was fulfilling and did not betray his values and beliefs. 

The memoir also highlights the influence of parents on their children’s lives. Mohammed and Rasool Bibi, who have been born in Pakistan, want to raise their children according to traditional Pakistani beliefs. They believe that children should honor their parents by studying hard, getting respectable jobs, and finding good Pakistani spouses. Sa...