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Description
Set in the period before and through the Bangladeshi war of independence, this novel has at its heart the continuing friendship between three boys with a love of cinema, whose loyalty into adulthood has surprising outcomes. Bulbul, the central character, is a journalist who witnesses and experiences the clash between individual struggles for meaning in a world torn apart by war, genocide and religious exclusions.
This is a novel that has everything: tenderness, humour, sadness, satire, horror, tension and release. Scene after scene of brilliant storytelling drives the narrative, revealing truths about the difficult emergence of a postcolonial society and reflecting on the nature of storytelling as a characteristic of Bengali culture – a double-edged one because stories can both evade and uncover buried secrets.
Set in the period before and through the Bangladeshi war of independence, this novel has at its heart the continuing friendship between three boys with a love of cinema, whose loyalty into adulthood...
Set in the period before and through the Bangladeshi war of independence, this novel has at its heart the continuing friendship between three boys with a love of cinema, whose loyalty into adulthood has surprising outcomes. Bulbul, the central character, is a journalist who witnesses and experiences the clash between individual struggles for meaning in a world torn apart by war, genocide and religious exclusions.
This is a novel that has everything: tenderness, humour, sadness, satire, horror, tension and release. Scene after scene of brilliant storytelling drives the narrative, revealing truths about the difficult emergence of a postcolonial society and reflecting on the nature of storytelling as a characteristic of Bengali culture – a double-edged one because stories can both evade and uncover buried secrets.
Manzu Islam has a true talent for story telling. This book was well crafted and impactful as a reader. The topics that are touched upon are deep but Islam does it in a way that lets the reader see for themselves how the characters are impacted while also created a well crafted narrative that allowed for the characters to come to life
Was this review helpful?
Erin J, Reviewer
This was a really entertaining story about life for a journalist in war-torn Bangladesh. This book is kind of like a modern adventure story. The writing was good but not overly verbose, so it could appeal to a wide range of readers. I loved the descriptions of the life of a poor boy growing up in Bangladesh and his friendships. Most of the characters were fun to read about. I think that the female characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but I did like that they were often strong and independent. The humor in the descriptions of the way bureaucracy worked in Bangladesh was a lot of fun. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more by this author and I hope to pick up a physical copy when it's out.
Was this review helpful?
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1132234
Manzu Islam has a true talent for story telling. This book was well crafted and impactful as a reader. The topics that are touched upon are deep but Islam does it in a way that lets the reader see for themselves how the characters are impacted while also created a well crafted narrative that allowed for the characters to come to life
Was this review helpful?
Erin J, Reviewer
This was a really entertaining story about life for a journalist in war-torn Bangladesh. This book is kind of like a modern adventure story. The writing was good but not overly verbose, so it could appeal to a wide range of readers. I loved the descriptions of the life of a poor boy growing up in Bangladesh and his friendships. Most of the characters were fun to read about. I think that the female characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but I did like that they were often strong and independent. The humor in the descriptions of the way bureaucracy worked in Bangladesh was a lot of fun. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more by this author and I hope to pick up a physical copy when it's out.
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