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kristindibum 's review for:
The Map of Salt and Stars
by Zeyn Joukhadar
I really pine for what this story could have been. Based on reviews, it seems like a lot of people are perfectly satisfied with it. Maybe it’s a love-it or hate-it kinda thing?
For me, the present-day protagonist was completely unbelievable. Far too philosophical for her age and the synesthesia should have been fascinating, but it was obnoxious instead. Some scenes didn’t make sense at all. Like I actually wanted to throw the book when Nour was running through the city. The eye rolls only increased from that point on and I constantly wondered what editor thought the writing passed muster. A careful editor with constructive criticism could have made this story truly tremendous.
I was much more engrossed in the ancient story and impressed by its research. The connection to Al-Idrisi is the reason I was interested in this book from the start. I cannot overstate how much I wanted to love this one and how disappointed I am by it. It’s been a year and a half since I read it and still I think about what a missed opportunity it is. Parallels to The Kite Runner are not justified here...but could have been!
I want to be excited for the author’s new book, but I’m weary. I don’t know if I can handle the purple prose again.
For me, the present-day protagonist was completely unbelievable. Far too philosophical for her age and the synesthesia should have been fascinating, but it was obnoxious instead. Some scenes didn’t make sense at all. Like I actually wanted to throw the book when Nour was running through the city. The eye rolls only increased from that point on and I constantly wondered what editor thought the writing passed muster. A careful editor with constructive criticism could have made this story truly tremendous.
I was much more engrossed in the ancient story and impressed by its research. The connection to Al-Idrisi is the reason I was interested in this book from the start. I cannot overstate how much I wanted to love this one and how disappointed I am by it. It’s been a year and a half since I read it and still I think about what a missed opportunity it is. Parallels to The Kite Runner are not justified here...but could have been!
I want to be excited for the author’s new book, but I’m weary. I don’t know if I can handle the purple prose again.