‘Nasrin and Sabrina are two sisters, who on the face of things live successful and enviable lives in London and New York. When their father, Shamsur suddenly dies, they rush to be with their mother at the family home and restaurant in Wales, and reluctantly step back into the stifling world of their childhood.
When Shamsur’s will is read, a devastating secret is revealed that challenges all that people thought and loved about him. It also profoundly changes the lives and identities of the sisters, and creates an irreparable family rift…
Moving between London, Wales, New York and Bangladesh, this is an epic family drama that spans over four decades. A story of mothers and daughters, of fathers and daughters, of sisterhood, it is a tale that explores belonging, family and what makes forgiveness and redemption possible.’
Although I had requested a physical copy of this book there was a delay due to a warehouse error. As time was running short I resorted to the most dreaded of devices – the kindle! I don’t enjoy e- reading. I will admit that often it’s a slog. However there are the odd occasions when the book just takes over and The Halfways was just such a book. I’m glad to say that the physical copy has now arrived. It is quite beautiful and I will look forward to reading it again, properly! 😉
I found this to be a moving book that works on several levels. It’s a story of family secrets and family rifts. It’s a story of relationships and the fragile threads that bind people together. It’s a story of friendships and understandings. It explores how cultures can collide and illustrates the difficulties when culture fusion is attempted, obliquely or knowingly.
Sisters, Nasrin and Sabrina appear to have a strong relationship although they are living on different continents. Their heritage is strong but so is the pull of the western world and the inevitable conflicts conspire to disturb the equilibrium of both girls. Coupled with family expectations and interrelations an unexpected event puts all the characters to the test. It’s a substantial story written in salient detail with perception and compassion. I found it very moving.
Hard to believe that this is a debut novel for it is confidently written and structured with a narrative that allows glimpses of the past as well as the present. Characters so believable you feel you would recognise them if you met them in the street but, more importantly, characters you care about.
The authors adds a useful glossary to aid the readers understanding of some Bangladeshi words and phrases so necessary in the narrative to enhance the dialogue and emphasise the sense of how displaced people can become when they are trapped within an interculture.
No comments:
Post a Comment