Narrative Identity

“I very much enjoyed reading Trevor Castor’s excellent work. I believe it makes a new, creative, excellent contribution to missiology. I myself have written, edited, and published in this area . . . and found myself drawn in by Castor’s research and analysis. That is, he had something new to say; it was not hard to literally read every page. I would not say that about everything I read along these lines.”


—David Greenlee, Operation Mobilization





“This book brings a fresh perspective on how people self-identify, a dynamic process that is both individual and collective. As such, it questions the popular paradigm of people group thinking in missions and deems it cultural determinism and static. Fascinating narratives of Pashtuns in the USA illustrate how immigrants navigate the ‘system.’ They must fit into the American way of life and simultaneously keep in touch with family back home. It is well worth the read.”


—Warren Larson, Columbia International University





“Castor takes on some key immigration and anthropological issues—identity, acculturation, life histories—regarding the Pashtun, and presents the analysis of these as they relate to the Pashtun with a critical eye and significant nuance.”


—Steven J. Ybarrola, Asbury Theological Seminary





“The dissertation makes a substantial contribution to the field of study. It attempts to show how understandings of identity are moving away from the ‘essentialist’ and ‘constructivist’ impasse to a more relational view of how identity is to be understood. The methodology is clearly set out and there is a good review of literature. Castor has discussed well the different factors involved in the emergence of transnational identity.”


—Nazir Ali, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue





“This book explores identity formation across countries and through social media at the intersection of personal, sociocultural, and global narratives. Historical and theoretical background is skillfully juxtaposed with real-life analysis to question stereotypes and popular missiological concepts. Through its contents and model, the book constitutes an invaluable resource in understanding people and communities within our current world of widespread transmigration.”


—Moyra Dale, Australian College of Theology





“Castor’s new book is groundbreaking on several levels. His application of a narrative identity framework informs the active debates in the fast-changing field of identity studies. Furthermore, Castor’s focus on Pashtun immigrants in the USA offers compelling new insights into digital-age communication contributions to identity formation. Moreover, his consideration of people group identity represents a challenge to one of the theoretical icons of mission studies. This is a must-read book.”


—Peter G. Riddell, Australian College of Theology