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theeuphoriczat's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so when I started reading this, I couldn't help but think of Sally Rooney Conversations with Friends which I did not like. But, I did enjoy this book a lot more. I loved the nuanced discussions on ageing, politics, culture, religion, media power, their complexities and how they all change and refract our life's trajectories. Regardless of our good intentions, the past and the future is constructed solidly on those complexities. From our friendships to who we fall in love with, are all structured on societal intricacies. I appreciated the way sensitive mental health issues and self-harm were discussed so unflinchingly which turning it into a cliché woke dialogue!
Nur was an interesting character. You can absolutely feel that he is a man who is present and aware of his individuality and the benefits of being a 'man'. He was a raw character which was also why I didn't like him. He was selfish and his toxic masculinity almost killed him! I did enjoy Ali's exploration of religion and his take on how even our religious experiences are built on the societal expectations and it takes a good amount of work to personalised our experiences.
Thanks to 4th Estate for making this book available to me via #Netgalley .
Nur was an interesting character. You can absolutely feel that he is a man who is present and aware of his individuality and the benefits of being a 'man'. He was a raw character which was also why I didn't like him. He was selfish and his toxic masculinity almost killed him! I did enjoy Ali's exploration of religion and his take on how even our religious experiences are built on the societal expectations and it takes a good amount of work to personalised our experiences.
Thanks to 4th Estate for making this book available to me via #Netgalley .
zoecrook's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
theroastedbookery's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
katherinejayne's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A solid book, and after reading this I’d be keen to read more from Kasim Ali.
I’m a bit of a sucker for a back and forth narration, jumping through time with the same characters, picking out hints from the past to explain the present. This meant reading this was a breeze for me.
I also related to that anxious overthinking mind that Nur has, particularly in his first relationship. I think there is a universality there that most people will find something relatable in.
The characterisation was good, writing easy to read & overall story was tender and honest.
I’m a bit of a sucker for a back and forth narration, jumping through time with the same characters, picking out hints from the past to explain the present. This meant reading this was a breeze for me.
I also related to that anxious overthinking mind that Nur has, particularly in his first relationship. I think there is a universality there that most people will find something relatable in.
The characterisation was good, writing easy to read & overall story was tender and honest.
neelamds's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The last chunk of the book saved this. As someone who has been in a similar situation and navigated it completely differently I was so frustrated by Nur throughout this. Power to Yasmeena for leaving him!
aliquid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Homophobia
lucylu2390's review
Just so meh... nothing happens and cannot feel anything for the characters
sarasoup's review
3.0
love/hate relationship with the non chronological format
nur deffo did not deserve yasmina!!
nur deffo did not deserve yasmina!!