Member Review
Review by
Eva Kelly H, Reviewer
THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS: A Compelling Tale of Love and Loss
THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS is a spellbinding novel that effortlessly blends together the ordinary and the extraordinary, creating a moving and provocative story. Shubnum Khan, a South African author, skillfully weaves together Indian mythology, South African culture, and gothic tropes in this US debut. The result is an intricate tapestry that the reader is honored to view but is afraid to touch, lest it unravel in their hands and leave stains from its opulent dyes.
As the novel unfolds, Khan expertly captures the essence of a house with a distinctive perspective, narrating its tale through playful and evocative prose. The house becomes a character in itself, reacting to the arrival of new occupants with a whimsical dance of scents and sensations, portrayed vividly by Khan ("As the new smells climb excitedly into the eaves... older smells, annoyed, move higher up away").
The house is haunted, of course, and so are all of its residents. Especially Sana, a fifteen-year-old Indian girl who bravely investigates room after room of the crumbling mansion. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I fell in love with all of them. By delving deeply into their exquisite burdens, Khan makes it easy for readers to connect with them.
Khan's vivid descriptions and rich cultural references paint a vibrant picture, immersing readers in a setting that feels both familiar and enchanting. With multiple mysteries, dramas, hauntings, and love stories woven into one, the story is unlike any I've ever read.
One of the strengths of THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS lies in Khan's ability to seamlessly blend elements of magic and reality. The djinn, as a central motif, serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape our lives, adding an intriguing layer of symbolism to the narrative. The exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, love, and the passage of time elevates the novel beyond a mere fantasy tale.
The house's point of view adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, making this a standout work that holds its own. Khan's debut is a wonderful and compelling contribution to the world of neo-gothic fiction.
In conclusion, THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS is a captivating novel that offers readers a unique blend of magic and reality. Shubnum Khan's skill at storytelling, ability to blend genres, and exploration of cultural themes make this book a worthwhile read. Despite a few minor pacing issues and one or two cheesy moments at the end, the novel's enchanting narrative and well-crafted characters earn it a strong four out of five stars.
Thank you #NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#TheDjinnWaitsaHundredYears #HistoricalFiction #Horror @VikingBooks
THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS is a spellbinding novel that effortlessly blends together the ordinary and the extraordinary, creating a moving and provocative story. Shubnum Khan, a South African author, skillfully weaves together Indian mythology, South African culture, and gothic tropes in this US debut. The result is an intricate tapestry that the reader is honored to view but is afraid to touch, lest it unravel in their hands and leave stains from its opulent dyes.
As the novel unfolds, Khan expertly captures the essence of a house with a distinctive perspective, narrating its tale through playful and evocative prose. The house becomes a character in itself, reacting to the arrival of new occupants with a whimsical dance of scents and sensations, portrayed vividly by Khan ("As the new smells climb excitedly into the eaves... older smells, annoyed, move higher up away").
The house is haunted, of course, and so are all of its residents. Especially Sana, a fifteen-year-old Indian girl who bravely investigates room after room of the crumbling mansion. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I fell in love with all of them. By delving deeply into their exquisite burdens, Khan makes it easy for readers to connect with them.
Khan's vivid descriptions and rich cultural references paint a vibrant picture, immersing readers in a setting that feels both familiar and enchanting. With multiple mysteries, dramas, hauntings, and love stories woven into one, the story is unlike any I've ever read.
One of the strengths of THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS lies in Khan's ability to seamlessly blend elements of magic and reality. The djinn, as a central motif, serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape our lives, adding an intriguing layer of symbolism to the narrative. The exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, love, and the passage of time elevates the novel beyond a mere fantasy tale.
The house's point of view adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, making this a standout work that holds its own. Khan's debut is a wonderful and compelling contribution to the world of neo-gothic fiction.
In conclusion, THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS is a captivating novel that offers readers a unique blend of magic and reality. Shubnum Khan's skill at storytelling, ability to blend genres, and exploration of cultural themes make this book a worthwhile read. Despite a few minor pacing issues and one or two cheesy moments at the end, the novel's enchanting narrative and well-crafted characters earn it a strong four out of five stars.
Thank you #NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#TheDjinnWaitsaHundredYears #HistoricalFiction #Horror @VikingBooks
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