Reviews

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

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hannalliem's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

aliadulcibella's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

aquariusisms's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I wouldn't call this a thriller, definitely on the slower-paced literary side of things which I didn't expect going in. Once I got used to it though I really enjoyed how reflective and smart the writing was, and how complex (and often full of contradictions) the protagonist was in all her messiness. I feel conflicted because I didn't love certain parts of the plot or pacing, but now that I'm finished and see the whole picture, it is just so impressive to me how the author wove together all these thematic threads and brought up so many fascinating philosophical questions without feeling the need to provide concrete answers or wrap things up in a pretty bow. Definitely a book I'll be thinking about for a long long time

rubye2002's review

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dark informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

whatsmomreading's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Our narrator Anisa is feeling unfulfilled in life, she’s been working as a translator and film transcriber but hasn’t made any moves in her career that feels meaningful. After meeting and dating Adam, who speaks multiple languages effortlessly, she finally gets the truth out of him. He learned at a very exclusive and remote school simply named The Centre, in an easy 10 days. When he uses his one invitation to help Anisa attend, she finds herself trying to piece together just how they manage to help their ‘learners’ become so fluent.

I can say I truly loved this novel and will be thinking about it for a long time. Anisa’s character was so relatable and endearing, she’s just someone trying to feel like they’ve found their purpose while also trying to figure out what exactly that means to her; is it marriage and children? Being a career woman? Remaining single?

I loved how Siddiqi was able to flow so easily between witty dialogue and some deep reflections on language, Pakistan and Indian relations and womanhood.

I also really enjoyed how this wasn’t an outright thriller, there was tension throughout the second half and when the big reveal happens it’s not outright gory or terrifying. I think if you’re someone wanting to explore thrillers but can’t stomach some aspects this would be perfect for you!