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thenextgenlibrarian's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
3.0
I started this book not knowing it was a companion novel to The Night Diary. Once I realized that, I couldn't help but wonder why this was a choice to write a sequel for. It really didn't add anything to the original story and I found myself not as engaged as I was with The Night Diary. The writing/story line seemed a bit forced, even though this book's topic is important and could potentially appeal to kids looking for more after reading The Night Diary.
CW: Racism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Violence, Religious bigotry, War, Death of parent
CW: Racism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Violence, Religious bigotry, War, Death of parent
jwinchell's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I loved The Night Diary and have recommended it many times. It was that book that taught me about Partition. This companion novel- sequel? - continues the story but from Amil’s perspective as the family settles in 1948 Bombay. Highly recommended.
campredwood's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a short (two sitting, for me) read that I absolutely plan on folding into my 4th grade historical fiction unit. (Number the Stars is great and all, but… it’s time to shake it up.)
This middle grade read covers hard realities of Partition, in a way that is thought provoking and encourages discussion, but isn’t immediately traumatic exposure.
Beyond the historical perspective, it’s a sweet narrative about choosing to keep living despite grief, to keep choosing joy, that terrible things can happen and you still deserve to make art, to just want to ride a bicycle.
This middle grade read covers hard realities of Partition, in a way that is thought provoking and encourages discussion, but isn’t immediately traumatic exposure.
Beyond the historical perspective, it’s a sweet narrative about choosing to keep living despite grief, to keep choosing joy, that terrible things can happen and you still deserve to make art, to just want to ride a bicycle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Racism, Colonisation, Grief, and Classism
porshuhhhh's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
traeisha's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
suegat's review
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
readwithrishika's review
4.0
summary: this book is part of a duet, and is the sequel to "The Night Diary". You will have to read "The Night Diary" first for this book to make sense. It follows the same family, including Nisha, her brother Amil, their dad Suresh, and their grandmother. The book is a historical fiction set in 1947, during the partition of India. "The Night Diary" is all about what happens during the partition, and how this family has to react to keep themselves safe. This book is supposed to help give us a look into their lives after they move, and explores how we heal after trauma.
footnotes: firstly, the lovely @veerawrites let me read this as an arc, which i am ever so grateful for. Secondly, while "The Night Diary" is from the perspective of Nisha, "Amil and the After" is from the perspective of Amil. This book releases on January 23, 2024.
thoughts: honestly, my first thought was how pretty the cover was. i think it portrayed amil well and makes more sense as you continue to read the story. the characters feel so real and young. the writing seems so appealing to me, and i felt like i was in the book, not just reading it. i also loved how many new characters we got to meet. it made the plot so interesting to read. the growth each of the characters had throughout the book made me really proud, and was written so believable and raw. this book also doesn't ever fail to tie in the historical events of the time as well. all of the characters actions and events were in line with what really happened. my favorite part about this book was reading the inner monologue of amil, which i missed in "The Night Diary". i was so desperate to hear his inner voice and understand what he was thinking. reading his thoughts made me realize how young he still is, despite how old he might try to act. my only (minor) issue with this book was simply how fast is moved. the plot was so addictive yet it moved just a touch to fast for my liking.
overall, one of the best historical fiction books i've ever read.
footnotes: firstly, the lovely @veerawrites let me read this as an arc, which i am ever so grateful for. Secondly, while "The Night Diary" is from the perspective of Nisha, "Amil and the After" is from the perspective of Amil. This book releases on January 23, 2024.
thoughts: honestly, my first thought was how pretty the cover was. i think it portrayed amil well and makes more sense as you continue to read the story. the characters feel so real and young. the writing seems so appealing to me, and i felt like i was in the book, not just reading it. i also loved how many new characters we got to meet. it made the plot so interesting to read. the growth each of the characters had throughout the book made me really proud, and was written so believable and raw. this book also doesn't ever fail to tie in the historical events of the time as well. all of the characters actions and events were in line with what really happened. my favorite part about this book was reading the inner monologue of amil, which i missed in "The Night Diary". i was so desperate to hear his inner voice and understand what he was thinking. reading his thoughts made me realize how young he still is, despite how old he might try to act. my only (minor) issue with this book was simply how fast is moved. the plot was so addictive yet it moved just a touch to fast for my liking.
overall, one of the best historical fiction books i've ever read.
therearenobadbooks's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this historical novel about a family during the Partition of India. It is very well written, told through the eyes of the young twins (the boy Amil). They struggle with anxiety and survivalist guilt. They don't understand how blood can have religion, or how the adults keep finding ways to separate people and be violent. All the changes are hard for them. They just want to do the right thing and help people who need help. I like that Amil isn't very good in usual school subjects but he learns well if he sees it done and is well explained. He is also a great artist and copes with drawing the world around him. It's a very powerful family story. This was my first contact with the author's work and I loved it. I also listened to the audiobook and the narrator is excellent.
silodear's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A second middle grade book as follow up to The Night Diary. This one didn’t captivate me as well as the first, but it’s still a useful novel for children. I feel like the messaging is important, if a bit heavy handed. Reading this book, I couldn’t help but think about children in Palestine fleeing genocidal violence and what the future will hold for those who get an “after.” I appreciated the authors willingness to look closely at the after and to share about her own family’s experience post partition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
christym's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25