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clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is a beautiful, transporting novel, which crosses frontiers, and adresses so many interesting and important topics, from female empowerment to coping with severe physical handicap. A truly wonderful read.
In 1950 Sudan is teetering on the cusp of independence, new political alliances are being formed and business is booming. Soraya is young, naive, and hopelessly in love. All she can think about is when she will be able to marry her handsome, intelligent older cousin Nur. However, the fates have other ideas for the young lovers, and tragically, nothing will end how they planned.
This is one of the first books in a long time that has actually kept me awake at night. I loved the beautiful descriptions of traditional Sudanese life. Another wonderful element of this book was the contrasting characters, who each bring a different point of view to events. A character who in one chapter seemed sophisticated and enlightened when recounting their version of events, became snobbish and rude when described by another character.
Aboulela based this book on the life of her uncle, who was a quadriplegic poet in Sudan in the 1940's. She states that by writing a book set in Sudan, she wanted to dispel "stereotypical images of famine and war" so often associated with the country. This aim was definitely achieved. She dances along the line of celebrating the beautiful parts of her country and its traditions, while also criticising other more backward elements of Sudanese life with a beautifully poetic agility.
The only thing that disappointed me with this book was when I suddenly realised that the last 10 pages weren't 10 more pages of story, but the afterword!! I definitely wanted those extra pages to be dedicated to the story, it did all finish just a little too quickly for me.
In 1950 Sudan is teetering on the cusp of independence, new political alliances are being formed and business is booming. Soraya is young, naive, and hopelessly in love. All she can think about is when she will be able to marry her handsome, intelligent older cousin Nur. However, the fates have other ideas for the young lovers, and tragically, nothing will end how they planned.
This is one of the first books in a long time that has actually kept me awake at night. I loved the beautiful descriptions of traditional Sudanese life. Another wonderful element of this book was the contrasting characters, who each bring a different point of view to events. A character who in one chapter seemed sophisticated and enlightened when recounting their version of events, became snobbish and rude when described by another character.
Aboulela based this book on the life of her uncle, who was a quadriplegic poet in Sudan in the 1940's. She states that by writing a book set in Sudan, she wanted to dispel "stereotypical images of famine and war" so often associated with the country. This aim was definitely achieved. She dances along the line of celebrating the beautiful parts of her country and its traditions, while also criticising other more backward elements of Sudanese life with a beautifully poetic agility.
The only thing that disappointed me with this book was when I suddenly realised that the last 10 pages weren't 10 more pages of story, but the afterword!! I definitely wanted those extra pages to be dedicated to the story, it did all finish just a little too quickly for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Miscarriage
Talks about FGM
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