Humans are a dynamic species; they never stay in one place but migrate. This migration is not just for greener pastures but also to find knowledge and identity. It is sometimes to flee from a suffocating culture.
This novel captures these elements well from a woman’s perspective. A person who not only leaves their culture behind but also their identity when they migrate. The book also presents the differences between Western and Eastern cultural traditions.
In her Muslim hijab, with her down-turned gaze, Najwa is invisible to most eyes, especially to the rich families whose houses she cleans. Twenty years ago, Najwa, then at university in Khartoum, would never have imagined that one day she would be a maid. An upper class westernised Sudanese, her dreams were to marry well and raise a family. Then a coup forces the young woman and her family into political exile in London. The years that follow hold more trials for Najwa and the realization that she has come down in the world. But she finds solace - in…
Man and woman together form one unit but maintain their two distinct identities. It is always a challenge and dynamic. Both parts of the unit have their own insecurities to deal with while maintaining relations with the other.
Kundera beautifully captured these tensions in the book. The emotional struggle of the two protagonists was interesting to read, and we all can relate to it. Overcoming these to be together forms the beauty of life itself.
A philosophical masterpiece by the author of modern classic The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
In a narrative as intense as it is brief, a moment of confusion sets in motion a complex chain of events which forces the reader to cross and recross the divide between fantasy and reality.
Sometimes - perhaps only for an instant - we fail to recognise a companion; for a moment their identity ceases to exist, and thus we come to doubt our own. The effect is at its most acute in a couple where our existence is given meaning by our perception of a…
I struggled to add this book to the list because I believe there is a fatal flaw in the plot. However, the ingenuity and creativity of the author compelled me to include it.
The book contains a novel within a novel, a concept I had never experienced before and found interesting. The story revolves around the success of a man, achieved due to the contributions made by his wife. The man finds it difficult to attribute his success to another person and feels guilty about hiding it from the world.
This tension of honoring the self while recognizing the other makes this book an interesting read.
Longlisted for the Booker Prize The Sunday Times Bestseller
Trust is a sweeping, unpredictable novel about power, wealth and truth, set against the backdrop of turbulent 1920s New York. Perfect for fans of Succession.
Can one person change the course of history?
A Wall Street tycoon takes a young woman as his wife. Together they rise to the top in an age of excess and speculation. But now a novelist is threatening to reveal the secrets behind their marriage, and this wealthy man's story - of greed, love and betrayal - is about to slip from his grasp.
My book offers a riveting exploration of a near-future world where traditional ideologies clash with the relentless march of progress.
Through the eyes of Sher Shah, readers are immersed in a gripping tale of power, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit. As societal upheaval looms large, richly developed characters navigate a landscape shaped by political intrigue and social transformation. Delving into the complexities of ideology and reality, the narrative examines how entrenched beliefs can both inspire and hinder societal advancement.
With meticulous world-building and nuanced storytelling, this thought-provoking novel challenges readers to ponder the eternal quest for meaning in a rapidly evolving world. A testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, it captivates with its blend of speculative fiction and profound social commentary.
