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melodyseestrees's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is a collection of short stories you want to take your time with, especially if you are not of the culture depicted. The stories are good, I just cannot connect with them the way I expected to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Islamophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, and War
One story is written where there is a character making very childlike demands 'carry me, I'm hungry, etc., ' and it is acknowledged that this character is the youngest wife the other character has had. It is not explicit whether or not this character is a child, it just had very infantilized vibes.marywahlmeierbracciano's review
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Colored Lights is a lovely collection from Sudanese author Leila Aboulela. Largely set in Khartoum and the UK, the stories feature a variety of Muslim characters in interesting situations—in "Tuesday Lunch," a young girl deviates from the teachings of Islam by way of her school lunch and later faces the consequences; in "Make Your Own Way Home," a Muslim teen visits her British friend after she's had an abortion. Each character approaches spirituality and relationships in their own way. "The Museum," which won the Caine Prize for African Writing, is particularly captivating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Islamophobia, and War
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