Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak.

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  Review of Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak. Elif Shafaq's Island of the Lost Tree is a deeply moving novel that weaves together themes of love, memory and the natural world set against the backdrop of political and cultural turmoil in Cyprus. Through its unique narrative structure and poignant story, Shafaq explores complex human emotions, racial trauma and the lasting effects of war. The novel follows two main characters, Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Daphne, a Turkish Cypriot, whose love story is set during the conflict between the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus in the 1970s. Their romance is complicated not only by cultural differences but also by the political violence that divides their homeland. As the narrative unfolds, Shafaq skilfully peeks into their lives, revealing their struggle to maintain love in the midst of a crumbling world. One of the most interesting elements of the novel is its inhuman narrator—a fig tree. This tree, the witness to most of the l...
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Hina Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin.

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 Review of Hina Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin. 

Hina Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin is a lively, contemporary romance that blends humor, culture, family dynamics and the immigrant experience into one compelling narrative. The novel follows Hina Khan, a young Muslim woman living in Toronto, as she navigates her family's struggling halal restaurant, her ambitions in radio broadcasting, and a handsome but business-threatening entrepreneur named Iden. Lives in the midst of an emerging rivalry.

The novel's greatest strength is its authentic portrayal of the second-generation immigrant experience, particularly in a South Asian Muslim context. Hana's relationships with her family and the tight-knit community in her neighborhood offer a rich exploration of generational conflicts, cultural expectations, and the search for individual identity in a multicultural society.

Hana is a relatable protagonist – ambitious, funny, and often torn between her professional goals and personal responsibilities. His anonymous radio podcast provides a clever narrative device through which he gives voice to his innermost thoughts and struggles. Uzma Jalaluddin excels at imbuing the story with humor and intelligence, yet also tackles important issues such as Islamophobia, racism and gentrification, which add depth to the book.

The romance between Hana and Aydin is pleasant, though somewhat predictable, following the enemy-lovers trope. Their interactions are tense, but the gradual unveiling of their respective backgrounds and vulnerabilities adds warmth and charm to their relationship.

A minor criticism might be that some of the secondary characters and subplots, particularly the family business drama and Hana's conflicts at the radio station, could have been more fully developed. However, these elements still contribute to the larger themes of the book, including community resilience and self-discovery.

In summary, Hina Khan Carries On is a delightful and thought provoking read. It blends romance, family drama, and cultural identity into an engaging story that resonates with humor and heart. Jalaluddin's writing is lively and insightful, making this novel a fresh addition to contemporary Muslim fiction.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2024 at 9:25 AM

    This review is so on point. I completed this book yesterday and saw this review just now scrolling randomly. So accurately reviewedđź’•

    ReplyDelete

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