Scan barcode
lorbach's review against another edition
3.0
Fatima is going to die in 1001 nights, so she must get her things in order before she does. The journey of the 1001 nights and what she realizes at the end of them however, is ultimately what is important.
This was rich with cultural, laughter, realization, and depth. The ending was a little slow in coming but really a good book.
This was rich with cultural, laughter, realization, and depth. The ending was a little slow in coming but really a good book.
gmdho2023's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
jess_segraves's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. But what made it different from most books, for me at least, is the way in which I read it. It was not a book that consumed me, that I felt I needed to devour. I did that with my other favorites, like Harry Potter (die-hard fan here) and East of Eden. Instead I digested it over the course of a few nights, kind of like the nights you read about in the book.
The subtle, wry humor in this book made it an enjoyable, entertaining, but also thought-provoking novel. I think Yunis did a fantastic job at portraying family unity despite the diverse people comprising the family. From this compilation of vignettes, I felt that I got to know each member of the family, and had some insight as to who they were and what their lives were like.
Yunis crafted a compelling story that is important because of its treatment of families and history. It also addresses Arab-American lives in modern times without overemphasizing issues pertaining to terrorism or the post-9/11 world. I feel that this novel could be extrapolated to other hyphenated American communities, making it an even better tale.
The subtle, wry humor in this book made it an enjoyable, entertaining, but also thought-provoking novel. I think Yunis did a fantastic job at portraying family unity despite the diverse people comprising the family. From this compilation of vignettes, I felt that I got to know each member of the family, and had some insight as to who they were and what their lives were like.
Yunis crafted a compelling story that is important because of its treatment of families and history. It also addresses Arab-American lives in modern times without overemphasizing issues pertaining to terrorism or the post-9/11 world. I feel that this novel could be extrapolated to other hyphenated American communities, making it an even better tale.
curiouslibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This is a 4.5 from me.
I really enjoyed this book. It put my in mind of the old, sprawling Yiddish generational saga stories. But this is about an Arab-American family in contemporary times, and it takes place over only a few days. The conceit of Fatima telling Scheherazade the stories of her life for 1001 nights means that we are privy not only to Fatima's early life back in Lebanon and in America, but thanks to Scheherazade deciding to investigate Fatima's 10 children and many grandchildren we get to see all the current stories play out as well. And it works beautifully as a construct.
Since Fatima knows that she will die after the 1001st night (the book begins on night 992), she feels pressed to get her affairs in order and figure out to which of her children and grandchildren she can leave her most treasured possessions. The most amusing and ridiculous of these situations centers on the grandchild she has been living with for the past 992 days. He is a gay actor trying to land a major role. Fatima feels she must find him a wife before he dies, which is one complication. The other is that his vindictive ex-boyfriend has sent the FBI after him to investigate him for "terrorism" out of spite. Some of the funniest scenes in the book come when these collide.
Because there are so many strands, the stories in this book span the gamut of emotions: funny, touching, sad, pathetic, hopeful etc. And of course they all connect up on the very last day, although not for any reason the reader would predict until it all plays out.
Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this book. It put my in mind of the old, sprawling Yiddish generational saga stories. But this is about an Arab-American family in contemporary times, and it takes place over only a few days. The conceit of Fatima telling Scheherazade the stories of her life for 1001 nights means that we are privy not only to Fatima's early life back in Lebanon and in America, but thanks to Scheherazade deciding to investigate Fatima's 10 children and many grandchildren we get to see all the current stories play out as well. And it works beautifully as a construct.
Since Fatima knows that she will die after the 1001st night (the book begins on night 992), she feels pressed to get her affairs in order and figure out to which of her children and grandchildren she can leave her most treasured possessions. The most amusing and ridiculous of these situations centers on the grandchild she has been living with for the past 992 days. He is a gay actor trying to land a major role. Fatima feels she must find him a wife before he dies, which is one complication. The other is that his vindictive ex-boyfriend has sent the FBI after him to investigate him for "terrorism" out of spite. Some of the funniest scenes in the book come when these collide.
Because there are so many strands, the stories in this book span the gamut of emotions: funny, touching, sad, pathetic, hopeful etc. And of course they all connect up on the very last day, although not for any reason the reader would predict until it all plays out.
Highly recommended.
bibliomaineiac's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful tale, featuring Scheherazade from The Arabian Nights. A good book for a book club. What story would you tell if you had limited nights left? This story is full of a variety of characters, all related in some way, to the matriarch of the family, Fatima. At times poignant, and at others, humorous, it is well-told. It was enjoyable, learning about each family member as Scheherazade learns of them from Fatima's stories. Well done.
jmeston's review against another edition
4.0
Very stately and pleasant as Shaherezade visits all of the children and the family slowly comes together. I liked the character of Decimal Jones but the typeface for her letter was hard on my eyes. A gentle family story.
nisharoo22's review against another edition
4.0
Bittersweet ending. There were times that I did wish for a family tree just so I could see how everyone was related and keep everything straight in my head.
naomiliselle's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
deannar's review
3.0
Both charming and frustrating. If you think of this as a series of short stories, it works better than thinking of it as a novel.
More...