A review by margaret21
Jamilia by Chingiz Aïtmatov

5.0

Set in Kyrgyzstan during WWII, this story is told by a young artist, Seit, as he looks back on his village childhood, and recalls the love which develops between his young sister-in-law Jamilia, and a disabled young man Daniyar, while most of the village menfolk are away fighting. Seen through the innocent eyes of a young boy trying to live up to being 'the man of the family', this story has a charming, freshness which paints a picture of a community going through hard times, while conveying its rural setting and the ways of the village in a moving and sympathetic way.