yanzbanz 's review for:

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

3.25

challenging mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I was drawn to this book by its synopsis, but it turned out to be much more of a character study and an exploration of classism than anything else.  I appreciated the highlighting of desi culture and language, but in many places it felt like a story about that.  And that is fine, but the dark mystery I came for ended up feeling like a side plot.    And there were moments - like an argument the MC has with an ex-partner - that felt completely extraneous to the story.  Altogether a bit too meandering.