After reading this book, I finally understand what the author, Nafiza Azad, meant when she said, "This book is about many things but it is mostly about women being women in the most fantastic ways possible." I absolutely agree with this. The Candle and the Flame is rich with culture and themes surrounding women empowerment and diversity. I love the many women characters in this book, and how their strengths are all different. The book carries a great message that each woman is strong and capable in her own way.
I've been waiting for this type of book. I loved reading about the wide variety of cultures, religions, and people in the city of Noor. The descriptions of food and clothing were superb, and I felt like my view of the city was intimate and mind-opening. The characters themselves were rich and wonderful representations of their culture and religions. I also loved learning about Islam through this book.
This book is incredibly different from anything I've ever read. First, the language is different in that the book is written in third person omniscient, which is a point of view I don't read much of. It was quite jarring at first, and this, coupled with a lot of political explanation, made the first part of the book move slowly. It was hard to get into. But once I got used to the language and tried to make sense of the various politics and the Islamic religion, I devoured this book. I worry for more impatient readers, but I think this book is well worth the patience and work.
The plot moved very well, the overall idea of Djinn fire was interesting, and I liked the many characters' points of view. The story was engaging, the characters worth rooting for, and the romance slow burning. I do wish we could have had more romance, but I still think it was artfully done.
I already want to reread this book, just because there is so much to learn. I feel like I could read it multiple times and get something out of it each time. And again, it is such a powerful book with themes of diversity and women empowerment.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.7
Plot/Movement: 4.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Would I recommend? Yes! Just give yourself time and patience to get into it.
I've been waiting for this type of book. I loved reading about the wide variety of cultures, religions, and people in the city of Noor. The descriptions of food and clothing were superb, and I felt like my view of the city was intimate and mind-opening. The characters themselves were rich and wonderful representations of their culture and religions. I also loved learning about Islam through this book.
This book is incredibly different from anything I've ever read. First, the language is different in that the book is written in third person omniscient, which is a point of view I don't read much of. It was quite jarring at first, and this, coupled with a lot of political explanation, made the first part of the book move slowly. It was hard to get into. But once I got used to the language and tried to make sense of the various politics and the Islamic religion, I devoured this book. I worry for more impatient readers, but I think this book is well worth the patience and work.
The plot moved very well, the overall idea of Djinn fire was interesting, and I liked the many characters' points of view. The story was engaging, the characters worth rooting for, and the romance slow burning. I do wish we could have had more romance, but I still think it was artfully done.
I already want to reread this book, just because there is so much to learn. I feel like I could read it multiple times and get something out of it each time. And again, it is such a powerful book with themes of diversity and women empowerment.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.7
Plot/Movement: 4.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Would I recommend? Yes! Just give yourself time and patience to get into it.
A big thank you to Scholastic Press for the ARC!
For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!
For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!
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