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A review by boodschappenlijst
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
funny
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
An extremely witty book that got me laughing out loud several times, with an adventure that swept me up with ease. The cast really makes this story: Arguably the best parts of the book are when Amina and the crew recall their past adventures and how those experiences flow through in their present banter. As the flaws of the misfit crew get more exposed, the characters actually became more lovable. The reveal at the very end wrapped everything together in an unexpected, but definitely welcome way - to think they even set that up. All in all, I would love to read another story with this cast.
Character dialogue and exposition are the best parts of this story, while I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the detailed explanation of the scenery and items. Although I understand why the author chose exposition (likely assuming a Western audience), it slogged down the pace at some moments. The description of the cave on Sorocca was especially tough to get through. I feel having that exposition at the beginning and then leaving things to the imagination of the audience helps with the story flow.
But that could just be me. This is the first time I've read a fantasy(-ish) book that is culturally close to me, and now I understand what joy it brings to intuitively understand all the references and customs in the story. To vividly imagine a scene with little effort, to immediately imagine what the characters would look and sound like - it's something I've never had, and now I am craving more of it.
Character dialogue and exposition are the best parts of this story, while I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the detailed explanation of the scenery and items. Although I understand why the author chose exposition (likely assuming a Western audience), it slogged down the pace at some moments. The description of the cave on Sorocca was especially tough to get through. I feel having that exposition at the beginning and then leaving things to the imagination of the audience helps with the story flow.
But that could just be me. This is the first time I've read a fantasy(-ish) book that is culturally close to me, and now I understand what joy it brings to intuitively understand all the references and customs in the story. To vividly imagine a scene with little effort, to immediately imagine what the characters would look and sound like - it's something I've never had, and now I am craving more of it.