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A review by sruti_
The Submission by Amy Waldman
5.0
Mo's father tells his son, an architect, "I know buildings are your religion... But they shouldn't keep you from God, and they can't bring you to Him." Mo's proud reserve, Claire's tortured ambivalence, and the entire identity of a nation provided the narrative for much of the story. Along the way, politics, journalism, TV personalities, and American bigotry were skewered, but at its core, this novel forced a reckoning of sorts, one in which the US did not come out on top.
I didn't appreciate the title of the book until the end. Mo's submission to the memorial committee, as well as one of the meanings of Islam, were debated for all of their ambiguities.
Another thing I appreciated: the female characters. An opportunistic journalist, a grieving, conflicted widow, and an ambitious governor: Waldman did not try to make her female characters likeable, only interesting.
I didn't appreciate the title of the book until the end. Mo's submission to the memorial committee, as well as one of the meanings of Islam, were debated for all of their ambiguities.
Another thing I appreciated: the female characters. An opportunistic journalist, a grieving, conflicted widow, and an ambitious governor: Waldman did not try to make her female characters likeable, only interesting.