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 ) |
