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The Kindness of Enemies

Leila Aboulela

Why we're reading this: Sudanese author
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Oct 26, 2015 Beverly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was a 4.5 read for me.

Thoughts coming shortly

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Jun 30, 2021 Wajeeha added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021

This was my first book by Leila Aboulela, an author I have been looking forward to reading for a while now. This is the story of Natasha Wilson (previously known as Natasha Hussain) who is half Sudanese and half Russian. Throughout her life, Natasha has done everything possible to dissociate herself from her identity by changing her last name, ignoring her father’s Muslim faith, and moving to Scotland. She is, in short, desperate to conform. Natasha is a university professor researching Imam Sha This was my first book by Leila Aboulela, an author I have been looking forward to reading for a while now. This is the story of Natasha Wilson (previously known as Natasha Hussain) who is half Sudanese and half Russian. Throughout her life, Natasha has done everything possible to dissociate herself from her identity by changing her last name, ignoring her father’s Muslim faith, and moving to Scotland. She is, in short, desperate to conform. Natasha is a university professor researching Imam Shamil, the 19th century Muslim leader who led the anti-Russian resistance in the Caucasian War. During one of the discussions, a student Oz (real name Osama) tells her that his mother is in fact descendant of Imam Shamil and is in possession of Shamil’s sword. This set the story in motion, which in turn divided into two timelines. In one timeline. Natasha goes to visit Oz’s mother to see the sword. and other family heirlooms, while in the other timeline we get to meet the legendary hero Imam Shamil.

This is a story that examines what it means to be a Muslim from two different views- one from an extremely provocative time period in history and the second one from a more recent past in the light of post 9/11 repercussions. The writing is lovely and the story flows seamlessly. This entire book was an educational experience for me since I had not even heard of Imam Shamil. To separate fact from fiction, I ended up doing a lot of research on Shamil which helped me build my knowledge. This book gave me Ertugal vibes with Shamil portrayed as a hero who is bigger than life itself.

I liked the book but I didn’t love it. I believe it provides a wonderful learning opportunity and for that reason I recommend everyone to pick it up. People who are fond of Turkish dramas and literature may like it more than people who do not and unfortunately, I fall in the latter category. However I am not giving up on the author, I have another book of hers lined up which I will be reading shortly. ...more

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Nov 20, 2017 Madeleine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: smart-nonannoying-entertaining

I can't say I really liked Natasha, but I don't think she's supposed to be a likeable character necessarily. Once I got over wanting to like her personally, I really enjoyed both the 1800s chapters and the modern chapters. ...more

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