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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The annoying thing is I like dual timeline stories, but this one just did not work for me. I put it down for ages and only picked it back up because I ran out of renewals at my library. I don't dislike it, it was okay. It was just not working for me.
I've slept on it and I think the problem is I wanted more from the Rawiya timeline. These are two stories I would have probably liked better if they weren't together, they cut down on what each of them could provide, like Nour could take a little more, but Rawiya needed a lot more.
I've slept on it and I think the problem is I wanted more from the Rawiya timeline. These are two stories I would have probably liked better if they weren't together, they cut down on what each of them could provide, like Nour could take a little more, but Rawiya needed a lot more.
This book should be required reading for everyone. One of the best I have read in a long time.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Finished reading: December 7th 2024
"The most important places on a map are the places we haven't been yet."
WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion review!!
Right... I wasn't expecting this to happen to be honest. I absolutely loved the sound of the premise of The Map Of Salt And Stars with its dual timeline and the Middle East/North Africa setting. I was looking forward to meet both characters and read about their journey... But as soon as I read the first couple of pages, I just knew this story and me wouldn't get along. Why? It's simple: the writing. To say that I clashed horribly with the writing style would be the understatement of the century, and this is just something that is almost impossible to overcome. The plot is buried under a mountain of metaphors, and having to plough through one metaphor after another made me want to scream and throw my kindle at the wall. Seriously, how many does a story need?! The constant repetition of one of the main characters seeing in color also became extremely frustrating after a while. Sure, the synesthesia was a neat feature in the beginning, but do we really have to be reminded every other sentence?! It really alienated me from Nour, and I struggled to connect to her in the first place. Rawiya's POV was at least a respite from the color talk, and as a result I think I preferred the past timeline. That said, the past timeline wasn't without issues either. I think this also had to do with the fact that the switches between timelines were so abrupt, and there was no proper connection between the two on a deeper level. I confess that I started skimreading long before the halfway mark, and I probably should have just DNFed it... It's a shame I had such a negative reaction to the writing style, because the plot itself had SO much potential. I've tried multiple times to look past the writing and concentrate on Nour and Rawiya's story, but in the end I just couldn't do it. I know that I'm in the minority though... I think your reaction to The Map Of Salt And Stars depends a lot on how you react to the writing. If your reaction is positive, I'm sure you will love this story just like the majority does.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
After her father dies, Nour and her family move back to Syria. There, their house is attacked and they have to flee the country as refugees. Her story is intertwined with that of Rawiya, an apprentice mapmaker, during the 12th century that happens to be her father's favorite tale.
Very enjoyable listen with a great narrator. The two stories intermingle in interesting ways. Gives gutwrenching views of life in Syria and as a reguee
Very enjoyable listen with a great narrator. The two stories intermingle in interesting ways. Gives gutwrenching views of life in Syria and as a reguee
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
The most important quote from the book to me: “Wealth is no substitute for belonging.”
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Plot-wise, this book is riveting and contains such a real and pressing driving force, split between the two characters of Nour and Rawiya. Its closeness with history and the geographic reality/unreality vis a vis the fluidity of borders and place names gives it a weight. Nour’s sister, Huda, also reminds me of someone I know. And so, my main issue with this book is the writing style. Granted, Nour has synesthesia which explains the preoccupation with colour, but it’s a struggle to visualize in the way it is meant. I’m not a graphic-visual person and therein lies the rub.