A review by aayjaysbookshelf
The Inn by Maniza Naqvi

informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Been a week I finished reading this book, but I haven't been able to pen down the review. A contemporary fiction that is actually about a non-fiction topic, The Inn was an insightful read about the sociopolitical environment of the world in general. Absolutely loved Maniza Naqvi's subtle writing here, and the grace with which she has handled topics like racism and white privilege. The story revolves around a Pakistani doctor practicing in the US, who goes on a weekend getaway to a country side inn, owned by a white couple, and eventually become a regular member there. The novel is about their lives, both individual and collective, through the years, mainly focusing on their conversations, experiences and narratives about the world in general, and white vs non white in particular. Topics like war, ethnic cleansing, colonialism, emigration are discussed and it was actually relatable to the extent of eeriness, reading this book in the current scenario. One thing I particularly liked about this book was the realisticity. No one character was entirely bad or good, but on a spectrum, like real world. All in all, a good but sad read. Tense, too. Take a little while to pick the pace, but is enjoyable once done. 
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