There Are Rivers in the Sky, is the novel I will be talking about forever. It has become my 'book of the year' and it has taken a place in my heart. TThere Are Rivers in the Sky, is the novel I will be talking about forever. It has become my 'book of the year' and it has taken a place in my heart. The storytelling of Elif Shafak has cemented exactly why she is one of my favourite authors.
The novel entwines three p.o.v's (showcasing how deft Shafak is intertwining these connected narratives) and three different eras, Arthur/ Victorian London, Narin/Turkey and Zaleekhah/ Thames-London. For just over 400 pages I was so impressed how much Shafak got in there because any of these p.o.v's can be read as a stand-alone but what is just magical is how they are all connected by a single raindrop. A drop which remanifests across the centuries.
I love how vividly and humanely Shafak writes about nature. She did it with The Island of Missing Trees and she does it again with this. I can loose hours by just staring at canals/rivers/waterfalls because it is something that is so simple yet so profound. The sound of it, the movement it is like no other. The force and power of it and of course needing it to survive. And she captures this beautifully.
I loved Arthur's story especially how he was born how the drop of water affected him. I loved his working in publishing journey especially when he discovers his passion (as a linguistic lover myself) it just gave more meaning to it. So fascinating reading how print was done in those days of course the nod to Dickens and his appearance and the cuneiform/tablets.
Narin's story was my favourite. I loved the relationship she had with her grandma and the stories they told. I especially love the connection her grandma has to water and being made aware of the genocide/prejudice and persecution Yazidi's were (and still are) facing. I loved learning more about the Yazidi culture and what water means to them. I also loved the discussion of colonialism and ancient wisdom and what lives on after civilizations crumble. And who has the right to historical artefacts.
I did enjoy reading Zaleekhah's story however I enjoyed reading about Nen's passion about the epic. I also enjoyed the fact that it was set on a houseboat (because I want one. Just imagine living on the water ...more
'This same book in a stranger's hands - half-known. Those readers, kindred spirits, almost friends. You are in transition; you are on the threshold. The'This same book in a stranger's hands - half-known. Those readers, kindred spirits, almost friends. You are in transition; you are on the threshold. The library is the place that gets you. Pure gold'.
-Jackie Kay.
A must read book highlighting the importance of libraries and how valuable libraries are to society. With book bans and library closures reading this is so imminent. Literary activism at its best. Read what libraries mean to me and a love letter to libraries on my blog here- https://fizwrites.website.com/website...
'The importance of libraries was recognised by the Public Libraries Act 1850 and affirmed by the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. Because libraries have always been a part of any civilization they are not negotiable. They are part of our inheritance'.
'Fiction is impossible but enables us to reach what is relatively truth. What the writer does is not so much to solve the question, but to put the question. There must be the question put. That seems to me a very nice dividing line between the truth and the false writer'.
'For me libraries represent a serendipity of learning. It's as if some internal compass draws you to areas which you never imagined visiting.'...more
Nothing about this book is a secret. So why do I feel like I read a book written by a whistle-blower. In a eye-opening narrative (that lacks pacing inNothing about this book is a secret. So why do I feel like I read a book written by a whistle-blower. In a eye-opening narrative (that lacks pacing in parts) the author explores UPF in all its glory and highlights the impact it has on our bodies and on the planet. Will make me think twice when eating and reinforces just how important each and every contribution to the cause against UPF will impact generations to come. Policies need to change, inequality and poverty addressed and how doctors and medical professionals deal with obesity, mental health, weight all needs to be re-visited. Such a thought provoking, mind blowing read everyone needs to pick it up!
Quotes/
'Science is not a list of rules or facts, but a living argument.'
'And, at the same time as we've entered this unfamiliar food environment, we've also moved into a new, parallel ecosystem, one with its own arms races that are powered not by the flow of energy but by the flow of money. This is the new system of industrial food production. In this system we are the prey, the source of money that powers the system.'
'It damages human societies by displacing food cultures and driving inequality, poverty and early death, and that it damages the planet.'
'People with less money have higher rates of obesity.'
'We are ultra-processed people not just because of the food we eat. Most of the other products we buy are engineered to drive execs consumption; our phones and apps, our clothes, our social media, our games and television.'...more
It is very ironic that the Tiger is currently held at the V&A museum (now after reading is definitely on my list to go and see). The author set this dIt is very ironic that the Tiger is currently held at the V&A museum (now after reading is definitely on my list to go and see). The author set this during the eighteenth century when 'Tipu's tiger' was first commissioned by Tipu Sultan himself in the late eighteenth century.
I love historical fiction but especially South Asian historical fiction featuring epic rulers. This book just really grips you because of the storytelling but it felt a bit disjointed as if the author wrote chapters separately and she put them together. I did really enjoy reading this book and how much effort she put into researching real life events and correlating them into her retelling. In the The author's note she writes the book is 'imagining these makers and the journey of the automaton itself.'
And it is interesting reading her take on that. I loved the importance she gave to Abbas and Du Leze, the imagery of their workshop and commitment to it. What it means for both of them and their developing relationship but also highlighting a young man's dream to make his mark on the world. It allows him to follow his dream to Paris and eventually England and through that (and perhaps my favourite thing about the book) it allows the reader to see the legacy of colonialism, classicism and racism across the world. Not to mention Tipu and his legacy and his time ruling.
This book was more than artistry and adventure and I loved the setting's the story telling the imagery and amount of detail that went into this book.
Quotes/
'Were an artist to choose me for his model - How could he draw the form of a sigh?'...more
Very empowering and encouraging message of the power of intermittent fasting. Well researched with Mosley trying all the experiments himself and is liVery empowering and encouraging message of the power of intermittent fasting. Well researched with Mosley trying all the experiments himself and is living evidence of all the health benefits the fast 800 brings. Written concisely and not a long winded book but straight to the point. I can't wait to try it all myself. ...more
It is a betrayal to its original form in which any translation is never 100% accurate. In the intro the 'An act of translation is an act of betrayal.'
It is a betrayal to its original form in which any translation is never 100% accurate. In the intro the author also states 'it is a fact that no translation of the Qur'an no matter how accurate it is can express all the meanings of the Divine text, my translation is an attempt to understand the meanings of the Qur'an, it is not possible to fully translate and grasp the inimitable and powerful words of Allah.'
I have read a few translations and this by far is the easiest one to understand as it is written in plain contemporary English. It is accessible and very readable. There are concise summaries at the start of each surah which is super beneficial before going into it and the sub-headings and footnotes provide excellent companionship in understanding Quranic concepts. What I also like is how it is presented Arabic and English side by side rather than have the English underneath. The comments in the side margins are also so inspiring and empowering
(I read the 2023 published version-latest one) First read (Ramadan read)- 26th March 2024...more
My first Ramadan read and what a timely read! This book explores the societal/cultural expectations put upon Palestinian-American women. It also exploMy first Ramadan read and what a timely read! This book explores the societal/cultural expectations put upon Palestinian-American women. It also explores ways our unresolved pasts affect our presents and the meaning of an honest and fulfilling life.
I love the way the author portrayed intergenerational trauma and also I learnt so much about it (my mind was blown learning that it can be passed through DNA). I also was astounded by her depiction of abuse and how Yara’s mother was both a victim of and perpetrator of abuse.
Even though I loved this book, now having finished it, I would have LOVED to read Teta's point of view. The Nakba, being displaced from Palestine by Israel’s colonial oppression, her Turkish tea leaf reading to her life in the camp's. I didn't like her first book as much as I enjoyed this one, but again their were a few pacing issues, where it started to get repetitive.
I think with Yara getting the help she needed through art, therapy and journaling highlights how much mental health provisions need to be provided for those who have been displaced or caught up in the war.
I pray especially during this month that the Palestinians are granted victory against their oppressors and that He makes it easy for them Ameen. I will also be writing a blog post on fiction/non-fiction books on Palestine to check out.
Quotes/
'All roads lead to you, even those I took to forget you.' -Mahmoud Darwish
'The entire world must be cursed, she thought, to spend so much of our days walking around with our eyes glued to a device that only left us feeling more alone.'
'That's why I held on to the past so strongly. I want our identity- who we are- to live on. It's already enough that our people are homeless and nameless. But our history runs through our veins. We can't let them take that away from us, too. And they won't. As long as we continue to share our stories, our history will be remembered.'
'All the earth is a hotel.' Teta had said, quoting Edward Said. And my home is Jerusalem'.
This book is about Hirsch reclaiming her body, empowerment and learning and embracing your background and ancestors. This is Hirsch's own 'Eat Pray anThis book is about Hirsch reclaiming her body, empowerment and learning and embracing your background and ancestors. This is Hirsch's own 'Eat Pray and Love' except it is so much more better. It is a quest for seeking out her lost ancestral legacies which has been distrupted by colonialism, globalisation, capitalism, totalitarianism and conflict. Whilst deconstructing Western and European ideologies. Such a powerful and inspiring read that is exceptionally written. Deeply moving and really does make you want to tap into your ancestral background a must-read book. 4.85*
Quotes/
'People of today, how small you are beside your ancestors.' ~ Proverb from ancient Mali.
'We wish two things for our children: the first is roots; second is wings. ~ Sudanese Proverb.
'You don't get to choose the circumstance of your birth or privilege. But you do get to choose what you do with it, whether you enjoy it quietly to the continuing detriment of others, or whether you make yourself useful in exposing how it works.'
'The strength of the stream is diminished after entering the river.' ~Akan Proverb. Meaning: your status here, is different in another land.
'That the story we inherit from our ancestors shapes us. And one of the things it empowers us to do is found a new lineage, honouring its stories, and our own.'
'Although the ocean is massive and powerful, it was preceded by the rock.' ~ Akan proverb....more
Such a great book for a beginner's journey into eating and exercise. The different body types, exercises from home, recipes. Amazing. Super helpful anSuch a great book for a beginner's journey into eating and exercise. The different body types, exercises from home, recipes. Amazing. Super helpful and hopefully will incorporate this into my routine....more
Incredibly detailed. This book has taught me everything that the outdated curriculum hasn't taught me. It is such a shame to think of how rich and divIncredibly detailed. This book has taught me everything that the outdated curriculum hasn't taught me. It is such a shame to think of how rich and diverse actual history is compared to the white washed same old spiel that is delivered in schools. I definitely need to re-read this book in order to absorb it all. I wish it explored more of China and the Ottoman empire rather than summarizing it. Not a dense read but incredibly fascinating and so informative of how today's world is shaped by Silk Roads. A must read for everyone....more
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