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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
This book expired before I could finish the last pages, so I’m gonna call this done. I really liked the ideas the author discusses in this book, but overall it was too long and was a struggle to finish.
I really enjoyed this story of a family fraught with issues (whose isn’t though). Heartbreaking and lovely all at the same time.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Beautifully written. A relatable story about family dynamics. Mirza does a good job moving between narrators in a way that isn't confusing and allows the reader a more complete perspective.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
In this debut novel, the lives of an Indian-American family are explored, beginning at oldest daughter Hadia's wedding when her estranged brother Amar shows up. The narrative then moves fluidly in time, a not-quite-chronological account from early childhood to the present moment, then beyond. The final chapteres of the book change POV in a way that's a little disconcerting.
I enjoyed the opening chapters without feeling attached to the characters or their conflicts. When Amar is confronted by three boys in a locker room after 9/11, the book came alive for me. After that, the conflicts deepened -- not just the story of a family who happens to be Muslim in America during that era, but a story of the family filtered through their beliefs and values. It becomes clear how much their religious beliefs comfort or restrict them (or both, with the younger generation).
Although much of the novel is in Hadia's third-person perspective, each parent has segments of the narrative as does younger brother Amar. Layla, the mother, develops a complex cultural understanding as an Indian-American given that her marriage to Rafiq was arranged. Like all parents, she must deal with the fact that her idea of motherhood and the reality do not match up. She cannot guide daughters into marriage who do not take the route that she did. Rafiq -- the only character whose sections are in first person -- takes much longer to adjust, though he too learns to relinquish control when it comes to his children. Well, he does, but then...
Amar is the most troubled of the group, the one who loves the traditions but cannot live with them. He is also not Hadia, the child who strives the hardest to succeed.
The middle sister Huda is the one character who has no narrative voice. Typical middle child. It's all Hadia, Hadia, Hadia. Hadia has the brains and ambitions often associated with a son. She is an observant narrator, always wanting to please her parents while simultaneously feeling embarrassed by their emigrant ways.
Each character sacrifices him or herself in a way that means losing a dearly loved possibility. There are some heartbreaking choices made here to please parents, to find independence, to right a wrong (or perhaps only compound the wrong).
Excellent book.
I enjoyed the opening chapters without feeling attached to the characters or their conflicts. When Amar is confronted by three boys in a locker room after 9/11, the book came alive for me. After that, the conflicts deepened -- not just the story of a family who happens to be Muslim in America during that era, but a story of the family filtered through their beliefs and values. It becomes clear how much their religious beliefs comfort or restrict them (or both, with the younger generation).
Although much of the novel is in Hadia's third-person perspective, each parent has segments of the narrative as does younger brother Amar. Layla, the mother, develops a complex cultural understanding as an Indian-American given that her marriage to Rafiq was arranged. Like all parents, she must deal with the fact that her idea of motherhood and the reality do not match up. She cannot guide daughters into marriage who do not take the route that she did. Rafiq -- the only character whose sections are in first person -- takes much longer to adjust, though he too learns to relinquish control when it comes to his children. Well, he does, but then...
Amar is the most troubled of the group, the one who loves the traditions but cannot live with them. He is also not Hadia, the child who strives the hardest to succeed.
The middle sister Huda is the one character who has no narrative voice. Typical middle child. It's all Hadia, Hadia, Hadia. Hadia has the brains and ambitions often associated with a son. She is an observant narrator, always wanting to please her parents while simultaneously feeling embarrassed by their emigrant ways.
Each character sacrifices him or herself in a way that means losing a dearly loved possibility. There are some heartbreaking choices made here to please parents, to find independence, to right a wrong (or perhaps only compound the wrong).
Excellent book.
3.75 stars for this. I absolutely loved part 3 & having the perspective of the father was probably the most authentic voice in the book.
I think, like many others, this book could have done with better editing, the story, characters & even structure of the novel are good. There’s just a little too much, which is why it took me over a month to read.
I enjoyed the unapologetic representation of Muslims in the book, although I do feel parts of it were a little tired (particularly the ‘what will people say’ /log kya kahenge piece, but maybe I just don’t want to read more about that!)
I think, like many others, this book could have done with better editing, the story, characters & even structure of the novel are good. There’s just a little too much, which is why it took me over a month to read.
I enjoyed the unapologetic representation of Muslims in the book, although I do feel parts of it were a little tired (particularly the ‘what will people say’ /log kya kahenge piece, but maybe I just don’t want to read more about that!)
I loved this. Every character was layered and thoughtful, changed over the course of events, and had a point of view I ended up caring about. I especially loved the mother's loving and thoughtful expression of her religious and cultural perspective, so different from my non-religious assumptions.
"And what was heartache when compared with public humiliation? Heartache was the quick touch of a flame. But for one's inner life to be gossiped about and judged by the entire community - it was like holding one's hand above fire until it left a scar."
"And what was heartache when compared with public humiliation? Heartache was the quick touch of a flame. But for one's inner life to be gossiped about and judged by the entire community - it was like holding one's hand above fire until it left a scar."