Reviews

Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi

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melodys_library's review

4.0

This book is a testament to why historical fiction is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. Though it is a work of fiction, it has been meticulously researched and is rich in Afghan culture. Many Americans, including myself, have been exposed mostly to post-9/11 Afghanistan in the media and know very little of the country’s history. This book showed the country and culture in a different light and perspective.

Sparks Like Stars is a story of strength and survival told in two parts: Part 1 is tragedy and trauma, and Part 2 is healing and redemption. The author didn’t miss a single detail, and also uplifted the protagonist’s family and culture through memories and flashbacks.

I feel really guilty saying this, but I was invested more in the story than in the main character. The main character endured so much pain and suffering that it feels cruel to say that I was not emotionally invested in her. I think that really became apparent to me during the foster family chapters of Part 1. These chapters felt a bit like “trauma porn.”

Regardless of this one minor complaint, I still wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book by Nadia Hashimi.

thepagelady's review

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4.0

Sparks Like Stars was a beautiful novel and the writing was absolutely stunning! This isn't a fast paced novel, it's relaxing, deep and moving! It has a wonderful story that will tug at your heart and complex characters that will stay with you long after the book ends. There is so much tragedy in Sitara's life and I was fascinated by her life and admired her strength and courage. Once again Nadia Hashimi has given us another absolutely wonderful book!

Thank you Random Things Tours and Nadia Hashimi for sharing this beautiful story with me!

gina_elizabeth_writes's review

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4.0

I will preface this by saying this is not a book I would normally grab. It's definitely not in my wheelhouse, but I love trying new genres.

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed! However, the parts I didn't enjoy left me feeling like not wanting to pick it back up.

I'll start off with what I wasn't a huge fan of.

The blurb left me with the understanding that in the first half of the book, Sitara would survive. While sometimes very exciting and engaging, there were moments where it felt really drawn out. I wasn't gripped, wondering if she would make it out of Afghanistan.

The second half of the book drew me back in. However, the character Adam seemed a bit far-fetched in how he acted. It was a bit unbelievable that Sitara would have such a huge lack of awareness about a man she had been seeing for a year.

Now for the parts I loved. The story itself was amazing. I loved the history and culture I learned about Afghanistan. The way Sitara processes her grief and evolves throughout the book is probably my favorite part of the novel. Her character growth is fantastic.

I loved the progression of the story and enjoyed the 30-year jump in the middle. The ending left me emotional, and there were strong secondary characters in her family, Antonia, and Tilly.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I'm glad I read it.

_alexsandersn's review

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4.0

“when pain retreats, when skin repairs, when a broken bone becomes whole again, it is a miracle. it is grace” he explained. “but you would never feel this without the hurt. i would never wish the wound for you, sweet, mischievous sitara. but i certainly wish you the light.”

beautifully written. 4.5/5