Reviews and Comments

Fortunately, I did borrow it from the local #library. 

Repetitive and tendentious, vulgar at times. Most of the content can be skimmed. It is not entirely a waste of time, as it is - occasionally - amusing, but it is otherwise of very little value.

Anjum Hasan's book "History's Angel"  takes readers on a poignant journey through the worries and daily struggles of Alif, a gentle Muslim schoolteacher and his family. Set in Delhi in 2019, the book explores the profound impact of India's rising tensions and uncertainties on individuals and communities. The book highlights the disturbing times that Muslims in India are living through, shedding light on the complexities and anxieties of being a minority in a country grappling with its own identity crisis. 

Highly recommended. 

August Blue, written by Deborah Levy, is a captivating and emotionally powerful novel that delves deep into the complexities of personal identity and self-exploration. The protagonist, Elsa, a talented concert pianist, embarks on a journey throughout Europe while being shadowed by her doppelgänger. The novel raises questions about the nature of identity and the various factors that influence and shape how we view ourselves and our place in the world.

Music holds a significant place in August Blue, serving as an integral part of Elsa’s life and journey of self-discovery. Levy examines the relationship between art and life, and how art can help us make sense of our experiences and emotions. Reflecting on her own experiences, Elsa’s connection to music also undergoes a transformation. She has a better understanding of herself and, by the end of the novel, she emerges as a different person.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes …

Patriarchy, a system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, social privilege, and authority, has long been considered a universal and inherent part of human society. However, Angela Saini’s fascinating book, “The Patriarchs” challenges his notion by delving into the origins of patriarchy and its profound impact on human society. 

 Saini explores the many factors that have contributed to the rise of patriarchy, including the development of agriculture, the growth of urbanization, and the rise of organised religion. Patriarchy, she argues, isn’t an inherent aspect of human society but rather a cultural construct that has evolved over time, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors. 

 The Patriarchs is an ambitious book. Saini shows that patriarchy is not inevitable, but rather a social construct that can be reshaped, reworked and reinforced. Women have challenged and resisted patriarchy throughout history and will continue to do so. The …

Desmond uses a range of evidence to support his argument about the causes of poverty in America, including government policy, specific practices and policies, and societal attitudes towards poverty, such as excessive regulations on housing construction, segregated public schools, and lack of connection between people of different classes. “Poverty”, he says, “isn’t simply the condition of not having enough money. It’s the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that, and he challenges social service organizations to focus on empowering the poor and expanding their choices, rather than simply providing them with financial assistance. 

A classic, gothic horror novella that makes use of ambiguity to build suspense and make the story intriguing.