I kept specifics out of the review because it was immensely satisfying to make discoveries and feel the resulting emotional whiplash alongside the characters in real time. What follow are spoilers, and things that I'm glad I didn't know before reading the book, so if you're at all interested in reading the book, you should do so, and then come back to this comment if you're still curious.
One example of a "loose but meaningful connection" is Saeed's influence in Nadira and Adam's stories.
Saeed is the acquaintance who matches Nadira and Majeed—notably without telling Nadira that Majeed is already married. Yes, he does this within the parameters of his faith, but not telling Nadira of Judith's existence had nothing to do with his faith and everything to do with helping his friend Majeed snag a second wife. Nadira—and I, by proxy—rightfully felt manipulated. And of course this feeling deepened when Judith found out that Latifah had no idea about Nadira marrying Majeed. On several levels, Saeed is willing to conceal the truth (even from his own wife!) and cause emotional damage to these women and their families for his friend's benefit.
Then, in a culture hostile toward homosexuality, Munir and Adam find solace in their honesty with each other. Saeed is Munir's father, and when he discovers Munir and Adam together, he reacts so violently that Munir effectively denies Adam's existence.
I love the way you showed Saeed's dishonesty to encourage one relationship, and his violence against the honesty of another. He's introduced as a matchmaker, but really he drives wedges between people—all in the name of his faith.
You pepper the book with these connections for us to discover, and it's wonderful. I can't wait to read your next book and draw ever-expanding constellations among these characters and their stories.
Well you’ve definitely answered that question. And you’ve articulated this irony better than I could have! When I was wondering what connections you’d made, I hadn’t for a moment anticipated this answer. I love how you’ve identified the nature of fundamentalism in a few lines - placing the letter of the law above the spirit of what is (morally or intuitively) right in human relations.
"but even the more loosely connected pieces gain depth and meaning from their relation to others." I'd love to know more about what you mean by this!
I kept specifics out of the review because it was immensely satisfying to make discoveries and feel the resulting emotional whiplash alongside the characters in real time. What follow are spoilers, and things that I'm glad I didn't know before reading the book, so if you're at all interested in reading the book, you should do so, and then come back to this comment if you're still curious.
One example of a "loose but meaningful connection" is Saeed's influence in Nadira and Adam's stories.
Saeed is the acquaintance who matches Nadira and Majeed—notably without telling Nadira that Majeed is already married. Yes, he does this within the parameters of his faith, but not telling Nadira of Judith's existence had nothing to do with his faith and everything to do with helping his friend Majeed snag a second wife. Nadira—and I, by proxy—rightfully felt manipulated. And of course this feeling deepened when Judith found out that Latifah had no idea about Nadira marrying Majeed. On several levels, Saeed is willing to conceal the truth (even from his own wife!) and cause emotional damage to these women and their families for his friend's benefit.
Then, in a culture hostile toward homosexuality, Munir and Adam find solace in their honesty with each other. Saeed is Munir's father, and when he discovers Munir and Adam together, he reacts so violently that Munir effectively denies Adam's existence.
I love the way you showed Saeed's dishonesty to encourage one relationship, and his violence against the honesty of another. He's introduced as a matchmaker, but really he drives wedges between people—all in the name of his faith.
You pepper the book with these connections for us to discover, and it's wonderful. I can't wait to read your next book and draw ever-expanding constellations among these characters and their stories.
Well you’ve definitely answered that question. And you’ve articulated this irony better than I could have! When I was wondering what connections you’d made, I hadn’t for a moment anticipated this answer. I love how you’ve identified the nature of fundamentalism in a few lines - placing the letter of the law above the spirit of what is (morally or intuitively) right in human relations.
Thank you so much for this generous appraisal Zachary! As you know, an unsolicited review is always a treasure! I won't be shy about sharing it!