A review by 2treads
Tale of the Dreamer's Son by Preeta Samarasan
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Samarasan has written a story of a man wanting to create an idealist society where all are welcome and accepted, but in doing so removes himself from the society he is trying to help. In that regard Cyril shows his naivety in navigating complex religious and cultural identities.
The trickle down effect, as recorded by his son, only serves to highlight this much more as he is unaware of what festers among his tiny community of followers. And falls without a fight to tyranny and incarceration.
Through his son Yusuf, the centre becomes a battlefield of adolescent rebellion, perverse thoughts, self-interest and strife. The breakdown and resentment between brothers comes across as young Yusuf tries to make a bond with his father, mother, and brother. Not being able to truly find a place with them and by them, he carries this yearning to be seen and accepted for the rest of his life.
As much as this tells of the separation between ethnicities via religion and race, it also tells of how in searching for the ultimate state of coexistence, we may end hurting and isolating the very people we had sought out to help.
Samarasan's unapologetic use of the dialect and syntax of her country was so enjoyable and had me laughing for many parts of this book.
The trickle down effect, as recorded by his son, only serves to highlight this much more as he is unaware of what festers among his tiny community of followers. And falls without a fight to tyranny and incarceration.
Through his son Yusuf, the centre becomes a battlefield of adolescent rebellion, perverse thoughts, self-interest and strife. The breakdown and resentment between brothers comes across as young Yusuf tries to make a bond with his father, mother, and brother. Not being able to truly find a place with them and by them, he carries this yearning to be seen and accepted for the rest of his life.
As much as this tells of the separation between ethnicities via religion and race, it also tells of how in searching for the ultimate state of coexistence, we may end hurting and isolating the very people we had sought out to help.
Samarasan's unapologetic use of the dialect and syntax of her country was so enjoyable and had me laughing for many parts of this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Police brutality, Outing, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Homophobia, Grief, and Death of parent