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anusha_reads 's review for:
Dottie
by Abdulrazak Gurnah
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
DOTTIE, ABDULRAZAK GURNAH
Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian-born British writer who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Can a mother be blamed for irresponsibility when she is a victim of hardships and has no guidance herself?
Dottie Badoura Fatima Balfour and her family live in Leeds (UK). She had learnt to be self-reliant from a very young age as her mother was always unwell. When Dottie turns eighteen, her mother passes away, leaving behind three children: Dottie, the eldest, followed by Sophie, and their youngest sibling, Hudson. Dottie works in a factory, but the younger two are taken into social care by a social worker because they are underage.
Does a sense of security and family bonds sometimes lead us to make wrong decisions? How does one determine what is right and wrong, especially at an age burdened by overwhelming responsibilities? Does turning 18 automatically mean one can take major life decisions independently, or does it take time to truly mature into adulthood? Does everyone reach mental maturity at the same pace?
Dottie is the story of a strong, resilient young woman. It portrays the struggles and hardships faced by the titular protagonist. Dottie is resolute and determined, but the story also highlights the suffering of those around her. Political uprisings and transitions form the backdrop, adding to the challenges people faced during that time.
Often, entire communities are blamed for the misdeeds of a few. The author explores these prejudices, showing how such accusations are misplaced and how understanding emerges through interaction with others. Many people, engrossed in their own struggles and difficulties, often remain unaware of the challenges faced by others.
What is home, and how does a child define their native land if they have been raised in a different country by their parents? This complex feeling is thoughtfully explored in the book.
I loved the fact that, despite not being highly educated, Dottie has a deep love for reading. She tries multiple times to read David Copperfield but, when unable to do so, settles for an abridged version. Her determination and never-give-up attitude shine through as she strives to better herself and her career, starting from a factory worker.
It is an easy read—heartrending yet beautifully narrated.
Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian-born British writer who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Can a mother be blamed for irresponsibility when she is a victim of hardships and has no guidance herself?
Dottie Badoura Fatima Balfour and her family live in Leeds (UK). She had learnt to be self-reliant from a very young age as her mother was always unwell. When Dottie turns eighteen, her mother passes away, leaving behind three children: Dottie, the eldest, followed by Sophie, and their youngest sibling, Hudson. Dottie works in a factory, but the younger two are taken into social care by a social worker because they are underage.
Does a sense of security and family bonds sometimes lead us to make wrong decisions? How does one determine what is right and wrong, especially at an age burdened by overwhelming responsibilities? Does turning 18 automatically mean one can take major life decisions independently, or does it take time to truly mature into adulthood? Does everyone reach mental maturity at the same pace?
Dottie is the story of a strong, resilient young woman. It portrays the struggles and hardships faced by the titular protagonist. Dottie is resolute and determined, but the story also highlights the suffering of those around her. Political uprisings and transitions form the backdrop, adding to the challenges people faced during that time.
Often, entire communities are blamed for the misdeeds of a few. The author explores these prejudices, showing how such accusations are misplaced and how understanding emerges through interaction with others. Many people, engrossed in their own struggles and difficulties, often remain unaware of the challenges faced by others.
What is home, and how does a child define their native land if they have been raised in a different country by their parents? This complex feeling is thoughtfully explored in the book.
I loved the fact that, despite not being highly educated, Dottie has a deep love for reading. She tries multiple times to read David Copperfield but, when unable to do so, settles for an abridged version. Her determination and never-give-up attitude shine through as she strives to better herself and her career, starting from a factory worker.
It is an easy read—heartrending yet beautifully narrated.