So here’s the second instalment in my Arcadia books reviews.
I was really pleased to be reading something written by a woman after an entire
term of male dominated literature, especially one who is as interested in the universal
issues faced by women as Qaisra Shahraz. On her website, Shahraz explains how
much of her work is influenced by not only her own experiences as a Muslim
woman, but the experiences of those around her. This emotional attachment on
the part of the writer was extremely evident and effectively translated into
the heart of the reader – something which makes this novel so human and
accessible.
Revolt is a
multi-layered story of the events – public and private – of a small village in
Pakistan, touching on every single resident. The character list is extensive,
there is no one protagonist – although the story does take its starting point from
the impending marriage of the children of two of the three wealthy land-owning sisters
in the village, the bridegroom returning from England for the engagement party.
This set-up immediately focuses the story on a set of characters, whilst widening
the perspective to the entire rest of the village, as well as stretching the
setting across the continents to England. I found this combination of such a
large expansion and inclusion of societies, cultures, races and classes with a
microcosmic zooming in on each character at any given chapter or paragraph
fascinating, its flawless transitions endlessly skilled. From the outset, it is
clear this is not just a simple story of the petty worries and events in a
random Pakistani village – it is a multi-faceted exploration of the
difficulties caught up in the debate concerning the gulf between Muslim
Pakistani values and the West – seen through the eyes in turn of each and every
character.
Much of the terminology surrounding reviews of this book is
along the lines of ‘satisfying’ and ‘journey’ with Editor of Women’s Books
Anora McGaha calling it a ‘fascinating ride’. These descriptions could not be
more fitting – having sped my way through the gripping thriller Cloudland, Revolt was the perfect antidote. I really took my time reading it,
enjoying every chapter and relishing in each new thread of the intricate
storyline – it’s not a book you read 10 chapters of at a time, it’s one you
slowly weave your way through, pausing to mull over and take in each and every
strand. If I were ever to liken a book to a hug, it would be this (and I did) –
combined with a big cup of tea and a blanket, it’s the perfect comforting
winter warmer.
Every relationship possible is explored in the book, and at
the base of it all I felt the characters were being linked with the one same
point: no matter your race, gender, class, job, familial/living situation, all
humans are equal and prejudices can only ever cause problems. This may sound
like an obvious point we take for granted, but I really felt that this book
taught me a lot and reinforced this point more than ever – even in the small
intricacies of life prejudice needs to be combatted. Despite being mostly based
in an almost completely alien situation and location to my own, Revolt forced me to reflect on my own
behaviour and actions towards the people in my life. A book that makes a
difference to the way you think is the sign of a truly great achievement. Moreover,
the ability to make this one point over and over again with different characters
without a sense of repetition coming through conveys Sharhraz’s creation of
characters developed and emotive enough for the reader to interpret each story
differently, whilst maintaining this pervading message.
I was hugely excited to start this book as I am a big fan of
anything that teaches me about other cultures and societies – whether it be
literature, film, food, or travelling to places themselves. Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things is one of my
all-time favourite books, and was what really revealed my love for exotic
settings and contrasting cultures. When describing Revolt I was known to call it ‘a watered down version of The God of Small Things’ – this is in no
way an insult, although perhaps a flippant, vague statement – but I think it really
gets to the bare-bones of the story. Obviously Roy’s novel is set in Hindu
India, as different from Muslim Pakistan as England or America, it is also a
hell of a lot more serious in tone, character development, and plotline (and
eventual outcome) – hence the expression ‘watered down’. However, this
exploration and exploitation of the serious problems and dangers surrounding
traditional caste and class systems, as well as racism and the ways in which
these are inherently engrained in people’s minds and souls, inescapable to even
those who want to escape them, is what makes up both books. This is ultimately
what made me fall in love with both books.
On the surface Revolt is
an involved, intricate story that had me laughing one minute, tearing up the
next. I wasn’t expecting to feel as attached to the characters as I inevitably
did as their lives and situations unfolded – it’s impossible not to sympathise
on some level with each and every character. However, underneath the reflex
reactions and emotions, this book really taught me something and opened my mind
to new perspectives of struggles regarding sexism, racism, and classism.
Undoubtedly, I learnt a lot of fascinating things about the Pakistani culture
and traditions, but at the root of the book is the universality that
inextricably links the whole of humankind.
Read it NOW: Get it here
Wow, this sounds amazing! Your review is so detailed and intriguing without giving anything away, I can't wait to buy and read my copy!
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