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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
Minaret tells the story of Najwa, beginning in Khartoum in 1984 where she enjoyed a privileged existence as the daughter of a government official close to the President; a life that included servants, Western style dress, dancing and nightclubs, university study, fasting at Ramadan but no regular prayer. The story follows her to London where the life she lives is far removed from her earlier years in Sudan.
I thought this book did a good job outlining life in Khartoum before the coup, at least for the wealthy, educated elite. It’s a depiction not often seen in the west nor I imagine one even commonly considered. I also found it to be especially strong in illustrating the appeal of a more observant, conservative (yet not extremist) Muslim lifestyle. So many people in the West still insist on believing that women could never choose such a life, that it is oppressive and forced upon them. A third area that this novel portrays well, albeit in an understated way, is the sense of loss faced by those forced to live in exile and how that can manifest at an individual and community level. It is unfortunate that current international events mean this topic continues to be pertinent today.
I thought this book did a good job outlining life in Khartoum before the coup, at least for the wealthy, educated elite. It’s a depiction not often seen in the west nor I imagine one even commonly considered. I also found it to be especially strong in illustrating the appeal of a more observant, conservative (yet not extremist) Muslim lifestyle. So many people in the West still insist on believing that women could never choose such a life, that it is oppressive and forced upon them. A third area that this novel portrays well, albeit in an understated way, is the sense of loss faced by those forced to live in exile and how that can manifest at an individual and community level. It is unfortunate that current international events mean this topic continues to be pertinent today.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Racism, and Religious bigotry
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