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A review by frootlupo
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A new take on a rollicking pirate adventure, sign me up for the crew of the Nakudha Amina Al-Sirafi!
I'm a sucker for anything pirate themed - especially the brand of moral, kind, loyal, barely-actually-pirates that this book leans into. So I was already expecting to like this book, and it fully delivered on my expectations. Focussing on the Indian Ocean, this does feel like a departure from classic carribean/european pirate adventures, while also retaining that swashbuckling charm we all know and love.
The first-person narrative style was utilized very well and provided a funny and flavourful voice to our protagonist. The diversity and treatment of religion was surprisingly kind and grounded for a book that features sea monster pseudo-gods and different planes of existence. It provides an interesting context for character motivations and prejudice, and feels very realistic as it's ultimately done in an alternate historical context.
Some plot developments make it so that there could be an easy followup into a mid-length series, and it's a testament to the quality and my enjoyment that I deeply hope they do. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi has been one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
If you like pirate media, this is the book for you - and if you don't this might be the book that changes your mind!
I'm a sucker for anything pirate themed - especially the brand of moral, kind, loyal, barely-actually-pirates that this book leans into. So I was already expecting to like this book, and it fully delivered on my expectations. Focussing on the Indian Ocean, this does feel like a departure from classic carribean/european pirate adventures, while also retaining that swashbuckling charm we all know and love.
The first-person narrative style was utilized very well and provided a funny and flavourful voice to our protagonist. The diversity and treatment of religion was surprisingly kind and grounded for a book that features sea monster pseudo-gods and different planes of existence. It provides an interesting context for character motivations and prejudice, and feels very realistic as it's ultimately done in an alternate historical context.
Some plot developments make it so that there could be an easy followup into a mid-length series, and it's a testament to the quality and my enjoyment that I deeply hope they do. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi has been one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
If you like pirate media, this is the book for you - and if you don't this might be the book that changes your mind!