A review by vennila
The Taliban Cricket Club by Timeri N. Murari
5.0
Timeri N. Murari, you are a devious man (and I mean this with utmost respect). Murari knew what he was doing by abandoning every chapter by teasing the turn of events that would follow. I was hooked to every plot twist, struggling to separate myself from this book, paired with failed attempts to bargain with my inner dialogue "One more chapter..." which turned to two more chapters, then three, until I finished this book cover to cover. The Taliban Cricket Club was a cinematic experience, and has merit to qualify as one of my favourite books. Funny enough, I inadvertently stumbled upon this book when I was on a quest to find a Murakami book at the library and for that, I am grateful for happy little accidents (and alphabetic orders).
I knew I was going to love this book when I was greeted with irony on the first page:
In light of current events, reading this book was met with melancholy as circumstances have hardly changed in the nearly 25 years from when this story takes place. The plight of Afghan civilians under Taliban rule is tragic and Murari is not shy to detail the violence and inhumane behaviour inflicted on men, women, and children. I caught myself audibly gasping and tearing up by the raw, and unfiltered text. The light at the end of the tunnel vis-à-vis the free ticket to Pakistan as Afghan Cricket champions, showers Rukhsana and her family with hope for a better future. The Taliban Cricket Club appeals to enthusiasts who seek a 'happily ever after' ending (me) though this whimsical conclusion is an unearned reality for many innocent Afghanis in present day.
I knew I was going to love this book when I was greeted with irony on the first page:
There is no place for any act of violence in the field of play.The brilliant contrast between sportsmanship and religious fundamentalism is continously explored and Murari does justice to historical accuracy at this intersection.
- Preamble No. 6 in the Laws of Cricket
In light of current events, reading this book was met with melancholy as circumstances have hardly changed in the nearly 25 years from when this story takes place. The plight of Afghan civilians under Taliban rule is tragic and Murari is not shy to detail the violence and inhumane behaviour inflicted on men, women, and children. I caught myself audibly gasping and tearing up by the raw, and unfiltered text. The light at the end of the tunnel vis-à-vis the free ticket to Pakistan as Afghan Cricket champions, showers Rukhsana and her family with hope for a better future. The Taliban Cricket Club appeals to enthusiasts who seek a 'happily ever after' ending (me) though this whimsical conclusion is an unearned reality for many innocent Afghanis in present day.