A review by maddi_paige
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

I really wanted to like this book. The concept is something I still want to read… by another author. That pains me to say, because this space (especially in horror/thriller) needs more Arab voices, but with a plot so ripe with potential for meaningful commentary, the power of language, that could have easily incorporated some fantastic horror elements, Siddiqi failed to do anything with it. The main character spends the book pacifying sadistic authorities and letting life happen to her instead of being an active participant. We don’t even get a satisfying ending as this book falls off a cliff. I thought for a moment my copy was missing pages! It was so abrupt and unfulfilling. The Centre felt rushed and surface level, and I feel cheated out of what should have been an amazing story with tension and introspection. So disappointing.