A provocative novel about an immigrant family living the American dream—and the daughter whose death raises questions about just how American they really want to become.

Zorah Sharaf is her family’s pride and joy.
Zorah Sharaf is bringing shame to her family.
What is the truth? It depends on who you ask.

After fleeing the horrors of war in Afghanistan, the Sharaf family resettles as refugees in Northern Virginia. After many years of hard work, the father has become a millionaire. Now they live in the most exclusive neighborhood, their growing family attending the most prestigious schools. And Zorah, the eldest daughter, is the apple of her father’s eye.

When Zorah dies after her car veers off the road, it initially seems like a tragic accident—a rainy night, an inexperienced young driver. But stories start to emerge of Zorah as a daughter who disgraced her family, who cavorted with boys. There is talk that the Sharafs’ perfect teenage daughter was far from perfect.

The media seizes on the story, dragging the family into the court of public opinion. Was Zorah’s death a tragic accident, or did she die by the hands of her own family in an “honor killing?”

Told through multiple points of view and set against a backdrop of Islamophobia and xenophobia, the novel is riveting, provocative, and unforgettable. Good People is sure to spark ongoing conversation with its urgent storytelling, daring structure, and nuanced look at some of the most pressing questions of our time.