trulybooked's review against another edition
4.0
Heartbreaking and gripping to the very last, the novel allows you to be lulled into complacency before drawing you right into the heart of the storm.
kaitlin_hansen's review against another edition
5.0
I found the flow of the first half a little slow, but the second half is where this book really shines. I love that the author took such a complicated and controversial topic (religion) and wove it into the story of a divided family after the Bangladesh War of Independence. I imagine that even though the story takes place in the 70s and 80s, the themes of religion, grief, and feminism still has a lot of relevance today. I definitely recommend reading the first book in this series (A Golden Age) before this one so you have the full context.
cheryl1213's review against another edition
4.0
When I selected The Good Muslim by Tahmima Anam as an advance read from my lovely Harper friends, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series of three about a Bangladeshi family. It may have been a different read had I read the prior novel, but I didn't feel disadvantaged by that and TGM can stand fine on its own. I think I've steered clear of my love for 3.5 stars for a while, but this novel calls me back to it and I'm quite torn on rounding for the half-star phobic sites. I've decided to go up to 4 stars, but it is with a bit of hesitation.
There are two time periods addressed in TGW, the mid/late-70s immediately following the revolution that gave Bangladesh its independence and the mid-80s when it is ruled by an unnamed Dictator whom many feel went back on the principles for which they'd fought. I'll admit to very little knowledge of this history. The protagonist is a female doctor who was part of the revolutionary fight and, in the latter time frame, is returning home after having spent a number of years as a rural ob/gyn. She had left in large part due to differences that arose when her brother made a very strong turn towards religion that alienated her and she returns upon his wife's death. The family also includes their mother and the brother's son, a child who has received very little attention and with whom the doctor quickly bonds.
There are a thematic number of threads running through here. There is the question of the revolution's success given the turn from initially liked leader to a dictator. There is the issue of religion and fanaticism, including the impact it has when it is put ahead of family and other matters. There is also a strong element of gender dynamics as the woman doctor relates stories of her patients, the suffering of women during and after the war as a result of rape being used as a weapon, and the doctor's own uncertainty about marriage and her career. The author does a solid job pulling all this off, although it does feel pretty slanted and pointed.
The prose is pleasant and deep without being overpowering. My hesitancy is in large part due to the fact that it feels overtly partisan. Ironically, I don't necessarily disagree with the positions advanced but I do prefer authors who lead you to your own answers rather than pretty much wave them in front of you. It is a good read, 3.5 stars is a solid rating in my world and is positive (I'm tough...when I was part of judging for admission to a journal in law school, they apparently noted that and would round an entry up if it was borderline and I was part of the panel). I'd read the other books if they appeared on my table and maybe if I saw a stellar deal on them, but I also can't see myself seeking them out.
There are two time periods addressed in TGW, the mid/late-70s immediately following the revolution that gave Bangladesh its independence and the mid-80s when it is ruled by an unnamed Dictator whom many feel went back on the principles for which they'd fought. I'll admit to very little knowledge of this history. The protagonist is a female doctor who was part of the revolutionary fight and, in the latter time frame, is returning home after having spent a number of years as a rural ob/gyn. She had left in large part due to differences that arose when her brother made a very strong turn towards religion that alienated her and she returns upon his wife's death. The family also includes their mother and the brother's son, a child who has received very little attention and with whom the doctor quickly bonds.
There are a thematic number of threads running through here. There is the question of the revolution's success given the turn from initially liked leader to a dictator. There is the issue of religion and fanaticism, including the impact it has when it is put ahead of family and other matters. There is also a strong element of gender dynamics as the woman doctor relates stories of her patients, the suffering of women during and after the war as a result of rape being used as a weapon, and the doctor's own uncertainty about marriage and her career. The author does a solid job pulling all this off, although it does feel pretty slanted and pointed.
The prose is pleasant and deep without being overpowering. My hesitancy is in large part due to the fact that it feels overtly partisan. Ironically, I don't necessarily disagree with the positions advanced but I do prefer authors who lead you to your own answers rather than pretty much wave them in front of you. It is a good read, 3.5 stars is a solid rating in my world and is positive (I'm tough...when I was part of judging for admission to a journal in law school, they apparently noted that and would round an entry up if it was borderline and I was part of the panel). I'd read the other books if they appeared on my table and maybe if I saw a stellar deal on them, but I also can't see myself seeking them out.
headyreads's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely conclusion to "The Golden Age" by same author. Highly recommend as you will get a history lesson in how Bangladesh came to be!
filawless's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
A sequel that follows the same family in the aftermath of the war in Bangladesh, how each member copes with what they have seen and done in war time and how they are living their lives now. While not as gripping as it's predecessor as real insight into the difficulties faced with "normal life" following war.
habmsm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jackieeh's review against another edition
3.0
Let's leave aside the fact that for the first several chapters I was making writing workshop-style comments in the margins. Once I embraced the style and was snared by the story, I flew through this book. I was assigned The Good Muslim for class, and the professor did warn us that this was the second book in a trilogy, information I completely forgot and only remembered just now. Oh well. This installment stood just fine on its own.
I actually did a lot of margin-writing. "Judge-y?" was a frequent refrain. My critical eye was spinning all over the place. But! Maya was a strong and compelling (and relatable, and ridiculously flawed) narrator, and Zaid was the kind of little kid most of us just dream of writing.
Like Christopher Isherwood, Maya is clued in to changes at home after witnessing a book-burning. Although it occurred in flashback, this was the emotional climax of the book. I still don't really know how I feel about this as a narrative choice, but it sure did fit.
I can't wait to unpack this in class.
I actually did a lot of margin-writing. "Judge-y?" was a frequent refrain. My critical eye was spinning all over the place. But! Maya was a strong and compelling (and relatable, and ridiculously flawed) narrator, and Zaid was the kind of little kid most of us just dream of writing.
Like Christopher Isherwood, Maya is clued in to changes at home after witnessing a book-burning. Although it occurred in flashback, this was the emotional climax of the book. I still don't really know how I feel about this as a narrative choice, but it sure did fit.
I can't wait to unpack this in class.
hannahtiffany's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely phenomenal! I highly recommend it. Maya was such a wonderful character with all of her strengths and weaknesses. I really connected with Maya and her story.
clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
4.5
I read this one in August 2019, and it was another lovely little read. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable.
.
Focusing on the main character of Maya who left hwr family during the war and then later returned, this book explores rifts caused in families by changing ideologies, questions the importance of family loyalties, and also looks at the place of faith in family and society.
.
I found this book really moving, and a very good exploration of the challenges and frustrations faced when you struggle to reach an agreement or even an understanding with your family.
.
Focusing on the main character of Maya who left hwr family during the war and then later returned, this book explores rifts caused in families by changing ideologies, questions the importance of family loyalties, and also looks at the place of faith in family and society.
.
I found this book really moving, and a very good exploration of the challenges and frustrations faced when you struggle to reach an agreement or even an understanding with your family.
taliasreads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0