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A review by tazisbooked
The Lady or the Lion (Audiobook) by Aamna Qureshi
5.0
This book was so GOOD. I love when I read a book and I don't have to try too hard to see a movie in my head play out; it just happens naturally - and THE LADY OR THE LION played such a lush, gorgeous movie in my head while reading it!!! My favorite Bollywood movies are the historic ones - Jodha Akbaar, Ram Leela, Padmavat - and THE LADY OR THE LION was dripping in those vibes while being so Muslim.
I loved this book. Not only was the romance incredible, the politcal plot and betrayals that happened had me so INVESTED and hurt. Overall, it was a great exploration of south asian family dynamics and above all else, anti-blackness that has yet to be truly addressed in our cultural and religious circles. My heart broke for Asfandyar, a half black character, over and over and then broke again knowing that there is real-life basis of how he is treated.
On the audiobook aspect of this book (as I listened to it) - I'm one of those people who listen to books at 1.4 or 1.5x speed. The pace of the narration was very slow - too slow. I was listening at over 2.0x speed and the accent the narrator affected for Asfandyar was not my favorite.
I loved watching Durkhanai's growth from a spoiled, petulant princess to a poised, sure queen.
Also be warned of the cliffhanger at the end - I am kicking myself for not having the sequel ready to go.
Thank you CamCat Books and Netgalley for an ALC for sharing this incredible book with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
I loved this book. Not only was the romance incredible, the politcal plot and betrayals that happened had me so INVESTED and hurt. Overall, it was a great exploration of south asian family dynamics and above all else, anti-blackness that has yet to be truly addressed in our cultural and religious circles. My heart broke for Asfandyar, a half black character, over and over and then broke again knowing that there is real-life basis of how he is treated.
On the audiobook aspect of this book (as I listened to it) - I'm one of those people who listen to books at 1.4 or 1.5x speed. The pace of the narration was very slow - too slow. I was listening at over 2.0x speed and the accent the narrator affected for Asfandyar was not my favorite.
I loved watching Durkhanai's growth from a spoiled, petulant princess to a poised, sure queen.
Also be warned of the cliffhanger at the end - I am kicking myself for not having the sequel ready to go.
Thank you CamCat Books and Netgalley for an ALC for sharing this incredible book with me in exchange for my honest opinions.