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bibliomich's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I read (and loved) The Night Diary last year, and I even included it as part of my Middle School Language Arts curriculum, so I was so excited when Amil and the After was offered as one of LibroFM's Educator ALCs for the month of January.
This was a true companion novel, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you've already read The Night Diary. Otherwise, you will likely feel like you're missing quite a bit of background and context. Initially, I was a little thrown by the fact that it was told from a third-person perspective, since The Night Diary was a first-person epistolary novel. But of course this makes sense, since Nisha identifies strongly as a writer, whereas Amil prefers to express himself verbally and through his art.
What I loved:
- the thoughtful and intentional way Hiranandani portrays the characters' feelings, guilt, and trauma in the aftermath of the events of the first book
- the introduction of new characters
- the representation of Amil's challenges with reading and writing (presumably dyslexia and/or dysgraphia)
- the development of all the characters and their interpersonal relationships
This was a true companion novel, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you've already read The Night Diary. Otherwise, you will likely feel like you're missing quite a bit of background and context. Initially, I was a little thrown by the fact that it was told from a third-person perspective, since The Night Diary was a first-person epistolary novel. But of course this makes sense, since Nisha identifies strongly as a writer, whereas Amil prefers to express himself verbally and through his art.
What I loved:
- the thoughtful and intentional way Hiranandani portrays the characters' feelings, guilt, and trauma in the aftermath of the events of the first book
- the introduction of new characters
- the representation of Amil's challenges with reading and writing (presumably dyslexia and/or dysgraphia)
- the development of all the characters and their interpersonal relationships
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry and War
Minor: Death of parent and Violence
gratzee's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sarahvlovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.25
themoonphoenix's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
bethfishreads's review
4.0
This followup to The Night Diary addresses many important topics as seen through the eyes of a sensitive 12-year-old boy.
At the dawn of 1948 Amil and his family are settled in an apartment in Bombay, just months after they escaped Pakistan soon after the Partition. Despite the family's current relative stability, Amil still doesn't feel safe and often has flashbacks of their horrible journey across the border. He is curious about the world around him and has a strong instinct to help others. Amil finds peace when he picks up a pencil and draws what he sees and what he doesn't understand.
Because Amil has dyslexia and maybe a bit of ADHD, he has a hard time in school. Reading is a chore, and he becomes restless. On top of that, he is clearly suffering from PTSD. He spends most of his time with his twin sister, whom he loves, but he misses his friends from his old town. When he finally meets a boy about his own age, Amil doesn't realize how that potential friendship would affect his family.
I loved Amil's innate kindness and my heart went out to him when he'd worry about selfish. His voice as a tween rang true, and his struggles with trying to understand himself, his father, and the changing world seemed realistic. The black-and-white drawings scattered throughout the book added to the story and matched what I would have expected Amil's artwork to look like.
The book addresses family dynamics, caring for others, loneliness, PTSD, trying hard despite setbacks, and doing what needs to be done in hard times. It also gives insight into how suddenly becoming a refugee can affect children and families. In this world of increasing war and during a time when some people want to turn their backs on others, Amil's story (and that of his sister in the first book) may help youngsters empathize with others who suddenly find their lives turned upside down.
The author's note explains the origins of the story and a glossary defines unfamiliar vocabulary.
Though you don't have to have read The Night Diary first, I highly recommend that you do.
At the dawn of 1948 Amil and his family are settled in an apartment in Bombay, just months after they escaped Pakistan soon after the Partition. Despite the family's current relative stability, Amil still doesn't feel safe and often has flashbacks of their horrible journey across the border. He is curious about the world around him and has a strong instinct to help others. Amil finds peace when he picks up a pencil and draws what he sees and what he doesn't understand.
Because Amil has dyslexia and maybe a bit of ADHD, he has a hard time in school. Reading is a chore, and he becomes restless. On top of that, he is clearly suffering from PTSD. He spends most of his time with his twin sister, whom he loves, but he misses his friends from his old town. When he finally meets a boy about his own age, Amil doesn't realize how that potential friendship would affect his family.
I loved Amil's innate kindness and my heart went out to him when he'd worry about selfish. His voice as a tween rang true, and his struggles with trying to understand himself, his father, and the changing world seemed realistic. The black-and-white drawings scattered throughout the book added to the story and matched what I would have expected Amil's artwork to look like.
The book addresses family dynamics, caring for others, loneliness, PTSD, trying hard despite setbacks, and doing what needs to be done in hard times. It also gives insight into how suddenly becoming a refugee can affect children and families. In this world of increasing war and during a time when some people want to turn their backs on others, Amil's story (and that of his sister in the first book) may help youngsters empathize with others who suddenly find their lives turned upside down.
The author's note explains the origins of the story and a glossary defines unfamiliar vocabulary.
Though you don't have to have read The Night Diary first, I highly recommend that you do.
ashleyeila's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
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