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ranabanana's reviews
158 reviews
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Between Two Rivers by Moudhy Al-Rashid
informative
medium-paced
4.75
Between Two Rivers by Moudhy Al-Rashid is an absolutely fascinating read that brings the ancient world of Mesopotamia to life. You can tell it’s written by an academic, as Al-Rashid’s deep knowledge and expertise shine through every page. However, the book is incredibly accessible and serves as a fantastic introductory text for anyone interested in the history of this remarkable region.
What makes this book truly special is how engaging it is. Al-Rashid’s writing style almost feels like she is speaking directly to you, making the complex history of Mesopotamia both relatable and captivating. The way she weaves together stories from ancient tablets and artefacts makes the past feel vivid and immediate.
I came across another review that mentioned Elif Shafak’s latest release, There Are Rivers in the Sky, which I have also been reading and it has piqued my interest in Mesopotamian history even more. Shafak’s book, with its intertwining narratives and historical depth, is exactly why I’ve been wanting to delve into the rich history of Mesopotamia, and Between Two Rivers has been the perfect starting point.
Overall, Between Two Rivers is a must-read for anyone curious about the cradle of civilization. It’s a masterful blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the ancient world.
What makes this book truly special is how engaging it is. Al-Rashid’s writing style almost feels like she is speaking directly to you, making the complex history of Mesopotamia both relatable and captivating. The way she weaves together stories from ancient tablets and artefacts makes the past feel vivid and immediate.
I came across another review that mentioned Elif Shafak’s latest release, There Are Rivers in the Sky, which I have also been reading and it has piqued my interest in Mesopotamian history even more. Shafak’s book, with its intertwining narratives and historical depth, is exactly why I’ve been wanting to delve into the rich history of Mesopotamia, and Between Two Rivers has been the perfect starting point.
Overall, Between Two Rivers is a must-read for anyone curious about the cradle of civilization. It’s a masterful blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the ancient world.
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
5.0
Amal El-Mohtar, a talented Canadian Lebanese author, has made a stunning solo debut with The River Has Roots. Known for her co-authorship of the acclaimed This is How You Lose the Time War, El-Mohtar brings her unique voice and lyrical prose to this new work.
For fans of This is How You Lose the Time War, The River Has Roots is a must-read. It carries the same enchanting quality and intricate storytelling that made her previous work so beloved. Personally, I found myself enjoying this novel even more. The depth of the characters and the richness of the narrative drew me in completely.
Set in the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, the story follows two sisters, Esther and Ysabel Hawthorn, who are deeply connected to the magical river Liss. The river's magic is intertwined with the willows that grow along its banks, and it is the duty of the Hawthorn family to tend to these trees and harness their magic. When Esther falls in love with a being from Faerie, her life takes a tragic turn, leading to a tale of love, loss, and transformation.
The cover of The River Has Roots is absolutely beautiful. It features stunning artwork that perfectly complements the enchanting narrative within.
However, I would note that the writing style of this book may not be for everyone. It is written very artfully and very descriptive, and I can see how some readers may see it as having more overwrought descriptions and less storytelling. But personally, the purple prose worked for me.
The unique concept of magic based on grammar and grammatical rules also adds an intriguing layer to the story, I wish we got more of an explanation for it.
My only other wish is that if it would had been a bit longer, just because I wish we had more of the book. The world the author creates is so captivating that I wanted to spend more time exploring it.
Nevertheless, The River Has Roots is a beautiful and memorable read that showcases El-Mohtar's exceptional talent.
For fans of This is How You Lose the Time War, The River Has Roots is a must-read. It carries the same enchanting quality and intricate storytelling that made her previous work so beloved. Personally, I found myself enjoying this novel even more. The depth of the characters and the richness of the narrative drew me in completely.
Set in the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, the story follows two sisters, Esther and Ysabel Hawthorn, who are deeply connected to the magical river Liss. The river's magic is intertwined with the willows that grow along its banks, and it is the duty of the Hawthorn family to tend to these trees and harness their magic. When Esther falls in love with a being from Faerie, her life takes a tragic turn, leading to a tale of love, loss, and transformation.
The cover of The River Has Roots is absolutely beautiful. It features stunning artwork that perfectly complements the enchanting narrative within.
However, I would note that the writing style of this book may not be for everyone. It is written very artfully and very descriptive, and I can see how some readers may see it as having more overwrought descriptions and less storytelling. But personally, the purple prose worked for me.
The unique concept of magic based on grammar and grammatical rules also adds an intriguing layer to the story, I wish we got more of an explanation for it.
My only other wish is that if it would had been a bit longer, just because I wish we had more of the book. The world the author creates is so captivating that I wanted to spend more time exploring it.
Nevertheless, The River Has Roots is a beautiful and memorable read that showcases El-Mohtar's exceptional talent.