A review by whatsmomreading
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Our narrator Anisa is feeling unfulfilled in life, she’s been working as a translator and film transcriber but hasn’t made any moves in her career that feels meaningful. After meeting and dating Adam, who speaks multiple languages effortlessly, she finally gets the truth out of him. He learned at a very exclusive and remote school simply named The Centre, in an easy 10 days. When he uses his one invitation to help Anisa attend, she finds herself trying to piece together just how they manage to help their ‘learners’ become so fluent. 

I can say I truly loved this novel and will be thinking about it for a long time. Anisa’s character was so relatable and endearing, she’s just someone trying to feel like they’ve found their purpose while also trying to figure out what exactly that means to her; is it marriage and children? Being a career woman? Remaining single? 

I loved how Siddiqi was able to flow so easily between witty dialogue and some deep reflections on language, Pakistan and Indian relations and womanhood. 

I also really enjoyed how this wasn’t an outright thriller, there was tension throughout the second half and when the big reveal happens it’s not outright gory or terrifying. I think if you’re someone wanting to explore thrillers but can’t stomach some aspects this would be perfect for you!