The newly released novel
Farishta, by SCI Board Member Patricia Mcardle, tells the compelling story of diplomat Angela Morgan. Stationed at a remote British Army outpost in northern Afghanistan, Angela becomes frustrated at her inability to contribution to the country’s reconstruction. Traveling to remote areas with patrols, she notices the number of children pulling up bushes by the root for their mothers to use as cooking fuel. She then remembers building a solar cooker when she was young, and begins to spread solar cookers throughout the remainder of her time in Afghanistan. Slipping away disguised in a
burka, Angela works to teach women and men how to cook with the power of the sun, and in so doing, becomes their
farishta, or "angel," and discovers a new purpose for her life.
Farishta, draws on author Patricia Mcardle’s experience as a diplomat in Afghanistan and her commitment to solar cooking. The importance and practicality of solar cooking is woven into the novel as Angela shares it with the local population.
You can purchase
Farishta at your local bookstore or
online.
You can also listen to an interview Patricia Mcardle did with CBS News
here.
