description

Description is hugely manifest in Seierstad's novel, as the entire story itself is an in-depth portrayal of the Khan family. Seierstad offers both detailed descriptions of the family members itself from appearance and family history to thoughts and feelings in order to accurately illustrate each specific character and to provide an accurate description of the modern Muslim family. However, what differentiates Seierstad's use of description from other authors is that while others commonly use lengthy descriptions as opportunities to use colorful language and potent words to enhance a reader's view of an event or character, Seierstad employs simple succinct language in her depictions in lieu of long flowing descriptions. In my opinion, this tactic offers a more honest and believable description of the family and the events that befall them because not having to read around any lavish descriptive language makes the facts and the story line more accessible to the reader, and thus more believable.