Scan barcode
msorvella's review
challenging
reflective
medium-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
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Racism, Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, and Sexual harassment
ukponge's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia
hinkleh's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Hate crime, and Deportation
Minor: Murder
saestrah's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A free advanced reading copy of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review:
Best of Friends was a relatively easy to read book that I enjoyed from the start, and invites the reader into the world of Zahra and Maryam in Pakistan in the 1980s. Shamsie's writing draws the reader into their lives in an accessible way, and I picked up on each character's motivations quickly without feeling like I was force-fed; it felt much more fluid. The first part of the novel is set when Zahra and Maryam are teenage girls experiencing a taste of adulthood against a backdrop of political unrest, coming to a climax during the events of a party where Zahra and Maryam's decisions effect the rest of their futures. The second part of the novel is set 30 years later when Zahra and Maryam are both living in the UK, and despite the test of time and distance, are still best friends.
What I loved most about the novel is the strongest theme running through the text: that friendship can withstand the test of time and distance, and that a friendship can be the most important relationship in one's life, more than family, more than romantic love. Another aspect of this book that I loved was how fleshed out Zahra and Maryam were as characters. Though their narration styles were very similar and meant I often lost track of which character I was following, as characters they felt very real. Because we are given both characters' perspectives throughout the novel, it's easy to understand where both are coming from, even when they stand on opposite sides of a political or personal issue. This is a book about personal loyalties and values, especially when it comes to relating to other people with upbringings different from our own. I don't think I would reread it, but I'm definitely glad for it to have taken up space on my (digital) bookshelf.
Best of Friends was a relatively easy to read book that I enjoyed from the start, and invites the reader into the world of Zahra and Maryam in Pakistan in the 1980s. Shamsie's writing draws the reader into their lives in an accessible way, and I picked up on each character's motivations quickly without feeling like I was force-fed; it felt much more fluid. The first part of the novel is set when Zahra and Maryam are teenage girls experiencing a taste of adulthood against a backdrop of political unrest, coming to a climax during the events of a party where Zahra and Maryam's decisions effect the rest of their futures. The second part of the novel is set 30 years later when Zahra and Maryam are both living in the UK, and despite the test of time and distance, are still best friends.
What I loved most about the novel is the strongest theme running through the text: that friendship can withstand the test of time and distance, and that a friendship can be the most important relationship in one's life, more than family, more than romantic love. Another aspect of this book that I loved was how fleshed out Zahra and Maryam were as characters. Though their narration styles were very similar and meant I often lost track of which character I was following, as characters they felt very real. Because we are given both characters' perspectives throughout the novel, it's easy to understand where both are coming from, even when they stand on opposite sides of a political or personal issue. This is a book about personal loyalties and values, especially when it comes to relating to other people with upbringings different from our own. I don't think I would reread it, but I'm definitely glad for it to have taken up space on my (digital) bookshelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Hate crime, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Deportation, Xenophobia, and Racism
More...