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A review by katielouisef
A Burning by Megha Majumdar
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
Jivan is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit but everyone believes she did it. From Kolkata to the slums of Kolabagan, the future seems to be cut short by political corruption and anti-Muslim hate.
I honestly am lost for words with this book.
A truly disappointing read. In less than 20 pages, we have a meagre introduction, an acting class, a terrorist attack, an arrest, a judge appearance, another character talking about a relationship and a sentencing.
Despite covering an important theme about the treatment of Muslims in India it merely glosses over that treatment. When writing about such topics in a fictional setting it really needs to be done well or just not at all in my opinion.
<Spoiler> - the death of two characters were covered in less than a page.’ <Spoiler>
Jivan, despite being a victim of a corrupted government has very few redeemable qualities and is her ignorance shines when she doesn’t want to hear about the other inmates stories. Needless to say she would’ve learned a few things had she listened.
It’s such a shame about the poor plot and execution of the book especially given as it’s such an important topic to talk about. I will however try and find some more on similar topics to read instead.
I honestly am lost for words with this book.
A truly disappointing read. In less than 20 pages, we have a meagre introduction, an acting class, a terrorist attack, an arrest, a judge appearance, another character talking about a relationship and a sentencing.
Despite covering an important theme about the treatment of Muslims in India it merely glosses over that treatment. When writing about such topics in a fictional setting it really needs to be done well or just not at all in my opinion.
<Spoiler> - the death of two characters were covered in less than a page.’ <Spoiler>
Jivan, despite being a victim of a corrupted government has very few redeemable qualities and is her ignorance shines when she doesn’t want to hear about the other inmates stories. Needless to say she would’ve learned a few things had she listened.
It’s such a shame about the poor plot and execution of the book especially given as it’s such an important topic to talk about. I will however try and find some more on similar topics to read instead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Hate crime, Murder, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Police brutality and Racism