My Identification with Sisterhood in Home Fire

 In Home Fire, we see an interesting dynamic between Isma and Aneeka. Isma practically raised Aneeka, yet they still have a relationship of sisters (unlike Isma and Parvaiz). Though I never raised one of my siblings on my own, I relate to the conflict they face in the novel. Though I love my sisters, there are times when I feel that we do not get along. In a parallel (kind of) sense, when Isma reports Parvaiz to the police, Aneeka becomes enraged. She feels as if her other half has been taken away. And in a sense, it has. I also am a little confused about this segment of the story. Did Isma report him to be closer to Aneeka? Was it a jealousy thing? Or did she report him purely because she thought it was the right thing to do. This I do not have an answer to, however I digress. Isma and Aneeka tell each other most things, and this is where I differ. The closest sister in age to me is autistic, so we have a gap of understanding each other there. But she always comes in to brag about a snake she saw or how well she did in rock climbing. Though she never really shows emotion, when I left for college she cried. This was very touching, because it was so unexpected. Additionally, although I did not raise her, I feel responsible for her being her best self. I always give her (wanted) outfit critiques, and let her know what she should and should not say in public settings. I guess I did kind of raise her, although she is 16 and I am 18.

Comments

  1. Abby MatsonOctober 10, 2021 at 11:11 PM

    My best friend from home's sister is 16 just found out she was autistic-- it bridged a huge gap in their relationship once they understood why they came from such different places! I also cried when my older sister left for school despite being the more stoic sibling, so I completely understand that and how it feels like it comes out fo nowhere!

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  2. Javier MartinezOctober 10, 2021 at 11:45 PM

    I like how you chose a theme you can identify with. I have a 15 year old sister, pretty near the same age. Different dynamic I guess but we're pretty close. I'd say it's really different than Isma and Aneeka's relationship though. For one I'm not a girl. Second, even though I'm the older sibling I prefer to act like the younger sibling and get on my sister's nerves. Much more entertaining tbh

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  3. KrisOctober 11, 2021 at 7:22 PM

    Being the youngest sibling by a long shot, I can't relate to the feeling of raising or being raised. That being said, I think we can safely say that Isma's intentions were to protect her family--herself and Aneeka. This could have partially been influenced by her hatred of their father, and seeing Parvaiz take the same actions he did may have caused Isma to take more extreme actions that she may have normally. That being said, I don't think there's any indication that Isma's actions were influenced by jealousy or self-interest.

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  4. bella burleighOctober 12, 2021 at 7:15 PM

    I feel like I relate to the sisterhood in Home Fire too! but I definitely think I relate in a different way. I feel like I relate to you a lot in the last line because I definitely feel like I played a role in raising my sister who is five years younger than me. It has definitely given us a bit of a different relationship but nonetheless the sisterhood is there.

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  5. Isabella FernandezOctober 15, 2021 at 12:17 PM

    Hello Jojo! Like you, I feel as though I can relate to certain aspects of the sisterhood in Home Fire. I cannot say that I raised my sister, since my parents were very much involved in our lives and I need to give them credit for that. But I do think that as the first born child of an immigrant household, I was able to give (teach) my sister and parents things that aren't seen in a more "traditional" household. I was very much the translator of the family. I taught my sister how to do math and how to read, write, and understand English. Ask my parents how to do long division and you will get so confused! Although this kind of relationship is, of course, a bit different than what Isma and Aneeka have, it is interesting to note that as the older sibling, you have a responsibility to help your siblings in some capacity. The way in which you help is really indicative on the type of family that you are raised in.

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