A review by therearenobadbooks
Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this historical novel about a family during the Partition of India. It is very well written, told through the eyes of the young twins (the boy Amil). They struggle with anxiety and survivalist guilt. They don't understand how blood can have religion, or how the adults keep finding ways to separate people and be violent. All the changes are hard for them. They just want to do the right thing and help people who need help. I like that Amil isn't very good in usual school subjects but he learns well if he sees it done and is well explained. He is also a great artist and copes with drawing the world around him. It's a very powerful family story. This was my first contact with the author's work and I loved it. I also listened to the audiobook and the narrator is excellent.