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A review by becisbored
The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Cyrus sucks.
There were so many interesting thoughts presented in this book that had my mind racing. What does religion, faith, ritual mean and look like in todays world? Where do people find meaning in the major life events that they experience? What does it look like for companies to take responsibility for how people use and react to their platforms?
Tahmima Anam tackles things like race, feminism, consent, gender, patriarchy, climate crisis, the pandemic, marriage and relationships, work, money and entrepreneurship. It’s a lot, all at once, and kind of a slap in the face. But I think the character of Asha makes it more digestible. I can’t say the same for her awful, narcissist husband, the ‘oh so holy who cannot do any wrong’. I loved the humour and direct digs at Silicon Valley and tech companies - I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Crazy Craig and his trampoline/swimming pool actually existed.
Sometimes I got a bit lost in the plot and questioned how believable it was, set in a world that is meant to mirror our own. But then I remembered that we are living in strange times, mass lockdowns, a global pandemic. Weirder things have happened and I do think people are at a place where a platform like WAI could bring meaning and community into their lives.Likewise, a platform like AfterLife, is one that I would not be surprised to see crash and burn and cause controversy in the real world.
I loved experiencing this world and this book through the eyes of Asha. Seeing the way she interacts and responds to different situations throughout her life as a POC was eye opening and the kind of perspective and diversity that is desperately needed across all forms of media.
Anam holds no punches. It’s an accurate, savage reflection on the moral debates and experiences at this exact moment in time. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
There were so many interesting thoughts presented in this book that had my mind racing. What does religion, faith, ritual mean and look like in todays world? Where do people find meaning in the major life events that they experience? What does it look like for companies to take responsibility for how people use and react to their platforms?
Tahmima Anam tackles things like race, feminism, consent, gender, patriarchy, climate crisis, the pandemic, marriage and relationships, work, money and entrepreneurship. It’s a lot, all at once, and kind of a slap in the face. But I think the character of Asha makes it more digestible. I can’t say the same for her awful, narcissist husband, the ‘oh so holy who cannot do any wrong’. I loved the humour and direct digs at Silicon Valley and tech companies - I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Crazy Craig and his trampoline/swimming pool actually existed.
Sometimes I got a bit lost in the plot and questioned how believable it was, set in a world that is meant to mirror our own. But then I remembered that we are living in strange times, mass lockdowns, a global pandemic. Weirder things have happened and I do think people are at a place where a platform like WAI could bring meaning and community into their lives.
I loved experiencing this world and this book through the eyes of Asha. Seeing the way she interacts and responds to different situations throughout her life as a POC was eye opening and the kind of perspective and diversity that is desperately needed across all forms of media.
Anam holds no punches. It’s an accurate, savage reflection on the moral debates and experiences at this exact moment in time. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death