8/17 Maps for Lost Lovers - General (Use Spoiler Tags)

[Hugh]

This discussion is due to start tomorrow. It would be useful to know who is participating.
I have to start by admitting that it is a long time since I read this book, and I have not found the time to re-read it because of other commitments, but I do have a copy I can refer to if necessary.

[Cheryl]

Um, the subject line says 8/17?
Anyway, I have to admit I'm not interested and won't be joining in.

[Carol]

I'm looking forward to this read but need to finish a couple of books before joining. Probably early next week.

Thanks for leading, Hugh.

[Hugh]

Cheryl. Yes I thought that was the right way to abbreviate August 2017. Carol. Thanks - I am sure a couple of weeks is neither here nor there in the context of a book that took ten years to write...

[Hugh]

Thanks Dawn

[Hugh]

Thanks Carissa

[Hugh]

I found a few reviews - I particularly liked the first one by Kamila Shamsie:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...
https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ent...

[Hugh]

Nadeem Aslam is a British writer from a Pakistani family. Maps for Lost Lovers is his second novel, and is set in a British city which is named only as Dasht-e-Tanhaii (The Wilderness of Loneliness or The Desert of Solitude). The plot centres on an honour killing, and is largely about the difficulties faced by Muslim communities in adapting to life in Britain, but it is much more than that - the language is richly poetic and memorable. Since this one he has written three more novels all of which are set in Pakistan and/or Afghanistan.

[Rafael]

Still in transit to my library. Looking forward to getting started.

[Carol]

Hugh wrote: "I found a few reviews - I particularly liked the first one by Kamila Shamsie:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...
https://www.theguardian..."

Thanks for sharing these. Shamsie's is indeed lovely.

[Luella]

This one is available from my library but a bunch of holds just came in so I'm going to have to delay for now.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

I got a used copy in the mail. August is a busy month for me, and seeing the size of it, I doubt I will get through it this month.

[Hugh]

Thanks Carissa. I have read all of his other books except the new one. I would recommend The Blind Man's Garden and The Wasted Vigil but this one is the one I liked most. Both of these are largely centred on recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan - The Blind Man's Garden is also a retelling of an Urdu myth.

Season of the Rainbirds was pleasant enough but rather forgettable.

[Carol]

carissa wrote: "I finished this last week and keep popping back here waiting for others to finish it as well.

What a real and sad story. It continues to be on my mind.

It has sparked numerous conversations with..."

I've only read The Golden Legend. It will be one of my top 5 reads this year, a year of exceptional finds. I highly recommend it,

[Hugh]

Carissa - I did create a spoiler thread too, so feel free to comment there: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Rafael]

Hi All! Very glad this book came to me. Aslam connects the various threads and moods and language so well. I do see patterns arise in the treatment different characters interact with which gives such a feeling of realism. Although I don't share their culture, Aslam's method of relating their connections (and missed connections) with such art and detail (particularly the chapter about Kaukab and her daughter) makes me relate easily to their experience.

[Hugh]

Sorry we couldn't persuade more of you to read this one - I suspect availability might be an issue outside the UK but I think it is worth tracking down. Will keep an eye out for late contributions to the discussion.