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A review by micareads123
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really interesting. It’s the story of Anisa, who translates Bollywood film subtitles. Feeling under accomplished in her career and wishing she were capable of “real translation” (literary translation), she is quick to jump on the opportunity to join a super-secret language school that guarantees total fluency in only ten days when it is presented to her.
I was totally hooked on the story and motivated to read it at every opportunity, and I (mostly) enjoyed the discussions of translation, literature and language. That said, I did not like any of the characters, but I think that may have been the point. Anisa comes across as a very shallow person who is willing to go to great lengths to become better known and more successful. And I don’t think you could create a plot like this using characters who are not at least morally grey, given that the concept of the language school itself is sketchy at best.
Even though I could see where the plot was leading, I enjoyed the lead-up and generally had a great time reading this. It was perfect to get me into the eerie fall vibe.
I was totally hooked on the story and motivated to read it at every opportunity, and I (mostly) enjoyed the discussions of translation, literature and language. That said, I did not like any of the characters, but I think that may have been the point. Anisa comes across as a very shallow person who is willing to go to great lengths to become better known and more successful. And I don’t think you could create a plot like this using characters who are not at least morally grey, given that the concept of the language school itself is sketchy at best.
Even though I could see where the plot was leading, I enjoyed the lead-up and generally had a great time reading this. It was perfect to get me into the eerie fall vibe.