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jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
4.0
This novel tells the love story of christian Georgian princess Nino and Shiite Muslin Ali in Baku during the early 20th century events that led to the declaration of separate Azerbaijan State.
The question of identity is the heart of the book. The conflict between east and west, between conservative traditions of Asia and liberal culture of Europe, the compromises, sacrifices and pain to accommodate the other's needs and desires. The relationship between Nino and Ali is a metaphor for the dawning of the new Azerbaijan nation and so reading this novel only as a love story would be missing out its beauty.
This novel reminded me of Shan Sha's novel named [b:La joueuse de go|927957|La joueuse de go|Shan Sa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1179524011l/927957._SX50_.jpg|2126470] ([b:The Girl Who Played Go|92315|The Girl Who Played Go|Shan Sa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320427070l/92315._SX50_.jpg|2126470]) in the way the romantic relationship serves as a metaphor for a cultural, political and/or historical conflict.
For me this novel was quite challenging because I didn't know much of both Caucasia history and Shiite Muslim religion. Even if I've learned a lot, in this end I still feel like I couldn't wholly appreciate this book and for that I think it would be interesting for me to read it again after some more learning.
The question of identity is the heart of the book. The conflict between east and west, between conservative traditions of Asia and liberal culture of Europe, the compromises, sacrifices and pain to accommodate the other's needs and desires. The relationship between Nino and Ali is a metaphor for the dawning of the new Azerbaijan nation and so reading this novel only as a love story would be missing out its beauty.
This novel reminded me of Shan Sha's novel named [b:La joueuse de go|927957|La joueuse de go|Shan Sa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1179524011l/927957._SX50_.jpg|2126470] ([b:The Girl Who Played Go|92315|The Girl Who Played Go|Shan Sa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320427070l/92315._SX50_.jpg|2126470]) in the way the romantic relationship serves as a metaphor for a cultural, political and/or historical conflict.
For me this novel was quite challenging because I didn't know much of both Caucasia history and Shiite Muslim religion. Even if I've learned a lot, in this end I still feel like I couldn't wholly appreciate this book and for that I think it would be interesting for me to read it again after some more learning.
nastian's review against another edition
2.0
It has redeemed itself once I learned when the book was written, but the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I had not read many books about the region and definitely not any by Azerbaijani authors.
That being said, the novel was "male" through and through, with an almost impossible union of beliefs in the central character, which I suppose is what made it interesting. Yet it was very disappointing how little this inner conflict was explored. The central theme seems to be Asia vs Europe and Christianity vs Islam, whereas the actual main plot line - Ali's love story with Nino, is barely touched upon. Nino seems to be merely a narrative device, a beautiful wild thing to be admired and ultimately tamed. So all in all, it was not so different from other novels of the time.
I believe that it is high time to change the narrative and give way to modern authors that can also deal with cultural and historical narratives, but from a more balanced perspective.
That being said, the novel was "male" through and through, with an almost impossible union of beliefs in the central character, which I suppose is what made it interesting. Yet it was very disappointing how little this inner conflict was explored. The central theme seems to be Asia vs Europe and Christianity vs Islam, whereas the actual main plot line - Ali's love story with Nino, is barely touched upon. Nino seems to be merely a narrative device, a beautiful wild thing to be admired and ultimately tamed. So all in all, it was not so different from other novels of the time.
I believe that it is high time to change the narrative and give way to modern authors that can also deal with cultural and historical narratives, but from a more balanced perspective.
bellawoo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
shadylane00's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saiddaa's review against another edition
5.0
"Ali and Nino" is a love story set in 1914 Baku written by Kurban Said. Ali, a Muslim, and Nino, a Christian, navigate cultural differences as war threatens their world. Love triumphs but tragedy strikes, testing their bond amidst a changing society torn by conflict. "Ali and Nino" by Kurban Said has captured my heart and soul in a way no other book ever has. This timeless love story set against the backdrop of a changing world has left an indelible mark on me. The exquisite portrayal of Ali and Nino's love, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, is a testament to the power of love in its purest form. I've read this masterpiece 3-4 times, and with each reading, I discover new layers of emotion and depth in the characters. The vivid descriptions of Baku's landscapes, the intricate exploration of societal shifts, and the gripping wartime trials they face all come together to create a symphony of emotions that resonates with me on a profound level. "Ali and Nino" isn't just a book; it's a journey into the very essence of human connection, beautifully penned by Kurban Said. It will forever remain my cherished favorite, a timeless gem that I'll return to whenever I need to be reminded of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit
solbloch's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful novel about life at the edge of Europe and the edge of Asia. Rich Persian Asiatic culture in the ancestral blood of Ali Khan Shirvanshir contrasted with the European liberalistic tendencies of dear Nino Kipiani. All in the highest echelons of society, the war of Czar's and Kings, eventually making it's way to the edges of the European influenced world. A great read for those who want a deeper understanding of Persian and Mohammadan culture and the region where that mixes with the Christian European influences. Touching novel, even in (perhaps even especially) in those cases where I find the Mohammadan views abhorrent.
krtlszlv's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5