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A review by krisheiney
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
I picked up this book because of its political snub, because I don’t want that event to limit the book’s readership.
In line with the title, the focus of both parts of the narration focus in on minor details—the order in which parts of one’s body are washed, the wrinkles on a woman’s face, chewing gum—and this serves to highlight the enormity of the major events relegated to the backdrop.
Shibli’s writing is understated and contemplative, and her narrative eye on the past and present of the war captures the enormity of it in surprisingly few pages. I look forward to reading more of her books.
In line with the title, the focus of both parts of the narration focus in on minor details—the order in which parts of one’s body are washed, the wrinkles on a woman’s face, chewing gum—and this serves to highlight the enormity of the major events relegated to the backdrop.
Shibli’s writing is understated and contemplative, and her narrative eye on the past and present of the war captures the enormity of it in surprisingly few pages. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder, and War