A review by jmbq_reads
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

5.0

A leisurely, compelling story set in a mythical Silk Road city where cultures cohabit. Fabulous world-building and vivid descriptions (especially of the food and fragrances) that completely pulled me in, and a wide cast of characters, most of whom are given plenty of room to grow and explore the way past their roles and into their powers (women especially). I loved how Azad incorporated vocabulary from multiple languages to add to the diversity of the setting and culture (what a treat to learn new words!). The only problem I had with the book is that it did not come with an unending supply of gulab jamun and chai or sharbat, because it made me really, really hungry for sweets.