Reviews

I absolutely loved the plot!!
There are so many books where a Muslim woman escapes "the oppressive traditions" of her faith/ family and frees herself by engaging in sexual exploits and dressing scantily.
This story is the other way around. The language is simple but beautiful and the protagonists motives are easy to understand.

jessievei's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

siria's review against another edition

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2.0

I found Aboulela's description of life as a Sudanese woman struggling to make a living in London to be interesting, but Minaret was largely a morality tale. There was a hint of ambiguity in the ending which signalled that perhaps Najwa's conversion was not the only thing needed to bring her contentment, but overall this was a book in which the devout were the good guys and the atheists, or even the Muslim women who didn't want to veil, were shallow and venal. It was far too two-dimensional in its approach, far too sweeping in its generalisations (I don't think that all Muslim fundamentalist men are secretly "tender and protective with their wives", nor do I think that becoming a hijabi protects you instantly from sexual harassment), and that coupled with somewhat opaque character development made Minaret an unsatisfying read.

themothwitch's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

steph_davidson's review against another edition

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4.0

Almost read this in one sitting. It's a fascinating story of a young woman and place/culture/religion / family/love. The story begins in the Sudan in a wealthy government family, and follows young Najwa to London as status melts away and her perspective slowly shifts. It's a really nice long afternoon read, with lots of rich descriptions of clothing and color and daily routines, and it makes me want to learn more about this part of the word.

readwithshaazia's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars.

ciikum's review against another edition

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1.0

A different view of Islam, relations between men and women in the context of Islam. Growing up and how we see things differently in the different stages of our lives.

khadijareads's review against another edition

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reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book inexplicably reminded me of The Bell Jar, which I've read recently, even though they have nothing in common.
One thing I love about Leila Aboulela is that she never shies away from addressing uncomfortable topics concerning islam and the muslim community.
Minaret has some elements in common with The Kindness of Enemies (the zealous but lost young man, the older woman who admires him, irreligious communist sudanese characters, the friend who welcomes the mc into the community and helps her find her way back to islam)

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