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mightypensharpsword's review
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
4.5
nini23's review
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I really liked the Honey Thief, I felt like I was sitting around a fire listening to Hazara Afghan tales and folklore passed down through the ages. Indeed, Najak Mazari who is Hazara from Afghanistan (living in Australia since early 2000s) states he's tried to tell the stories in the form of how it's traditionally told: oral storytelling and some of the stories are those he's heard from his brothers or elders. The stories are fascinating and wide in range: from beekeepers and how the trade is taught and passed down, to the massacre and prosecution of Hazara people in the 17th to 19th century by ruthless rulers, to a famous Hazara student who assassinated the Shah and how his relatives, fellow students and teachers were hung in punishment, a mute village boy who learns a traditional musical instrument and woos his crush with it (one of my favs), an Englishman who comes to this Hazara village in hopes of photographing a snow leopard in the mountains, a dreamy boy heir of large orchards gets obsessed with reading some American classic books but this unexpectedly helps in marriage negotiations. The fate of the Hazara people and more widely Afghans have been shaped and buffeted by both internal and external forces: by the Russians, British and Americans and of course the mujahideen and civil war. Hazara are the third largest group in Afghanistan and one of the most oppressed, mostly belonging to the Shi'a faith. In current day, they are targeted by ISK in bomb attacks and killings. I really appreciated getting a glimpse of Hazara/Afghan culture; the family ties, faith, beliefs, music, language, cuisine, burial rites. Mr Mazari has thoughtfully included some traditional Hazara cuisine recipes at the back of the book along with some tongue-in-cheek comments. He has successfully conveyed the resilience, humour, intelligence, history of his people through these stories.
euphoniousgoose's review
4.0
This book reads like a conversation, or as being told stories by a new friend. It successfully weaves its paths through each story, and despite being a work of fiction the feeling of authenticity is undeniable. These are the kinds of short stories that reel you in instantly, create compelling characters, and fit perfectly within the greater feel of the book as a whole.
I primarily enjoyed the focus on perseverance and respect that flowed throughout the collection. The entire book reminded me of so many other fables, full of lessons but not overbearing in conveying them. I would love to read more stories inspired by this oral tradition!
I primarily enjoyed the focus on perseverance and respect that flowed throughout the collection. The entire book reminded me of so many other fables, full of lessons but not overbearing in conveying them. I would love to read more stories inspired by this oral tradition!
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