Hanzy
Super sweet spiritual journey expressed through the lives of two extremely different characters. Through Salar, we learn hope and through Imama's character, we learn resilience in the most difficult of times.
This has been my second Urdu novel and I'm quite enjoying the way spiritual beliefs and the essence of character are among the main themes of these books.
This is the first book I've read of Kinsella under the pseudonym of Madeleine Wikham.
I've read her books before and truth be told, I did have a few expectations. I loved the writing style, despite not being the usual Kinsella style but that's the most I can say about this book. It was quite different in the sense that it contained more viciousness than Kinsella's usual charm of using witty humour.
Pretty light read but I definitely won't be recommending it to anyone I know.
This is the first complete novel that I've read in a language that isn't English (well, technically “heard” as I listened to the audiobook).
This book was a whirlwind of basically everything. I was told before embarking on this journey that the novel doesn't really fit any particular genre and I've to agree; this book contains everything. It's a book you'd enjoy reading if you wish to feel the sense of satisfaction of having no plot holes. A book that makes you develop a sort of bond with its characters.
I loved how spirituality was incorporated in a very easy to accept, comfortable way. I loved how this book gave a lot of messages to the reader through the thoughts, choices and actions of its main characters.
I've never read anything in Urdu before. My comprehension skills are very weak which caused me to stop every couple of minutes while listening to the book - trying to translate and comprehend everything. But as I kept listening, I felt myself improving in my language skills too. The super descriptive, sweet tone of the book was quite engaging which made me have the patience to finish it all.
I loved every bit of this book. I truly understand why translated books never have the true essence of a language now.
I'm unaware if this book was written as an abridged version but whatever the case, I found it highly disappointing. The plot line was interesting but the way it was conveyed wasn't really convincing with jumps and conclusions that I as a reader couldn't really appreciate.
It's a quick read, however and may help learners' of English language.
A very interesting read that I'd definitely recommend as it's way too short for anyone to not go through at least once (Listen to the audiobook which is a little under 2 hours to save time, you'll miss the pictures though). This book has been styled in a way that it may seem to be a children's novella. But to each, their own interpretation, the messages, and themes are something worth pondering upon even as an adult(or as the book refers, “the grown-ups”). We, humans, are often kids at heart and though we may not agree on everything from the writer's perspective, there's something that we CAN take from the book; curiosity and asking very different questions from those that we are used to asking. It's like a peek into the workings of a child's brain.
Looking forward to reading it in French now as that was highly recommended by a friend.
A refreshing change from the books I usually prefer reading. The story hooked me in midway and I just couldn't wait to get to the end. The descriptive details felt a little overly complicated as I wasn't really able to conjure certain images in my head, or maybe that's just how the writer wanted it to be.
A student of mine asked me to review it for her, and as the genre of the book suggests, it's suitable for young adults or mid/high schoolers.
I've had a hard time reading this book without being judgemental. The writer does shed light on some idiocracies that exist in the society but of course, like every controversial book, it doesn't portray the entire picture. I liked the many poetical lines she's used and the writing style, with the narrator taking a sort've gossip girl's position and spilling all the beans through emails. However, these emails do present a certain perspective and certain realities that are often overlooked so it isn't entirely superficial and that's what led me to actually complete the book.
A book that pulls you deep in, so much so that for a while, you feel yourself lost when you get back to the real world. Absolutely loved the blend of different elements in the story, the historical bits, just everything actually.
I only wish the ending had been a bit different. It kind of leaves us on a vague note.. wanting more.. certain questions unanswered, especially about the characters... We're sucked so deep within that it's almost sad to know this book is the only place where we get to be with them, and that they're not actual ‘living' people.
