A review by serendipitysbooks
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi

emotional informative reflective sad medium-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? Yes

4.25

 Sparks Like Stars was a solid, enjoyable read for me. I love it when historical fiction exposes me to events I know little about and this delivered, being centred around the 1978 military coup in Afghanistan. I really liked how it highlighted the thriving richness (and I’m not talking financial here) of the country before warfare, foreign interference and religious extremists took hold. I always love a heroine I can root for and Sitara fit that bill. We see her first as an eight year old who witnessed her entire family murdered in a coup inside the presidential palace. Using her wits and with some help she survives and escapes to the United States. Thirty years later she is working as an oncologist when an encounter with a former Afghani palace guard leads to her return to her homeland seeking answers to the fate of her family. I was quickly invested in Sitara’s well-being and worried about her safety including while escaping her country, in the foster care system and later when challenging Afghan authorities. I also appreciate good writing and this book didn’t disappoint. I especially loved the imagery relating to light and stars, not to mention the explicit parallels to Anastasia Romanov. So much historical fiction utilises a dual timeline. This book was refreshing for its straightforward linear narrative.

Great storytelling and a book I’d recommend. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings