Emily Mcleod answers “Let me start by saying I really enjoyed...”

BrianneAlys asked this question about Home Fire:

Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this book. But was I the only one who really couldn't stand Aneeka? I mean her biggest power seemed to come from her good looks and ability to seduce. And it seemed the love for her twin was more of just an extension of her narcissism...(she saw herself as him). So the end didn't really fit for me that she would be so self-sacrificing. Anyone else feel this way?

Emily Mcleod Her seduction may fit in with the Antigone mythology. While I have not had a lot of experience with the original telling, a very popular retelling and…moreHer seduction may fit in with the Antigone mythology. While I have not had a lot of experience with the original telling, a very popular retelling and fantastic play 'Antigone in New York' also had a female character who used her 'feminine wiles' to cause action in the narrative. I believe it also has to do with the dichotomy of the good/bad muslim woman which plays out between Isma and Aneeka and is revealed quite luridly in the Home Secretary's considerations of Isma in the final chapter. Aneeka was difficult to identify with early on, but necessarily so in my humble opinion because she needed to be seen as willing to do anything for Parvaiz including what Isma, the 'good muslim woman' wouldn't to save him (this was mentioned in Aneeka's section). Perhaps the dramatic ending is not self-sacrificing but again manipulation, she may have just wanted to join Parvaiz and once again used Eammon to do this? Just a thought. Hope this helps :)

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