Books
by Kamila Shamsie
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A God in Every Stone |
This is an epic novel that is part love story but also includes subjects such as war, colonialism, nationalism, and archaeology. The story takes you from 1914 to 1930, from England to Turkey and then Peshawar and from the conflict of WWI to the fight for Indian Independence. The author describes places so beautifully, particularly the orchards of Peshawar, and she combines her main characters' various storylines very cleverly. An absorbing read.
(Christine Miller - bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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Best of Friends |
A beautifully written, deeply perceptive examination of friendship. We follow bosom friends Zahra and Maryam, from fourteen-year-olds in Karachi to successful middle-aged women in London, Zahra a top human rights executive, Maryam accepting government patronage for her personally intrusive computer programme. Can the friendship survive? In a dramatic denouement simmering resentments emerge including an adolescent episode – Zahra got them into trouble, Maryam was punished – which has haunted their lives. I won't spoil it by divulging the ending!
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 110 Autumn 2023) |
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Burnt Shadows |
When the bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, Hiroko's world is shattered. She survives, though she carries the memory of that day burnt into her back. This event opens the novel in which Shamsie explores themes of displacement, otherness, and imperialism. I was reminded of The Reluctant Fundamentalist (bwl 44) which inhabits similar territory. The characters stand out, in particular Hiroko, bringing the narrative to life. Not a comfortable read - but absorbing..
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 65 Summer 2012) |
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Home Fire |
The novel's main themes are identity, conflicting localities, love and politics. Classical stories seem to be influencing contemporary writers at the moment and Shamsie references Sophocles' Antigone in a sister's desire to bury her brother after he is declared a traitor at whatever cost to herself. Shamsie takes on the difficult subject of radicalisation and handles it with much understanding and care. It is a thought provoking novel that is also very readable.
(Christine Miller - bwl 89 Summer 2018) |
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