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Liked It “Fictionalized account of the war between East and West Pakistan seen through the eyes of a Bangla widow.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It“Yawn.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Yawn.”
Jodi G wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Fictionalized account of the war between East and West Pakistan seen through the eyes of a Bangla widow.”
Naz A wrote this review Saturday, October 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A complex book. Reminds you that belonging is never simple - always about so many things thrown together. I like the fact that the book doesn't try to simplify it. ”
wassie wrote this review Thursday, June 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very well written account of the independence of Bangladesh/a mother's loyalty to her children.”
martha e wrote this review Monday, May 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
1 of 1 members found this review helpful“This book is important because of its focus on East Pakistan and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. It sheds light on a point in history that is unknown to many. The author was not raised in Bangladesh, which is worth keeping in mind, but regardless of any small cultural or historical errors, A Golden Age is a good first novel and a worthwhile read, especially for a reader who wants to gain some sense of what went into the liberation of Bangladesh. Nothing about Anam's writing is extremely captivating to me, but she is certainly capable of telling a fine story.”
Laura R wrote this review Wednesday, March 25 2009. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Although this book was fiction, it was a great look at the History of Bangladesh. A very real look into one families struggle and survival through a very horrific genocide. ”
Kimberly S wrote this review Saturday, March 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Set in Pakistan in 1971, this gripping novel tells the story of struggle, defeat, lust and ambition. Rehana Haque, a middle-aged widow struggles with the vain concept of war for a new era and government in Pakistan. She regrets to relinquish her two children, Sohail and Maya, to the war effort, but comes to realize she can no longer control them, but is still capable of offering her love and support. I love reading historical fiction books and this one did not dissapoint. It had a fair ending, and makes you ask yourself what you would have done in Rehana's position. I think the character surprises you. Also, not everything ends perfectly, which I think makes the books even more realistic. The author was born in Dhaka, where the story takes place. I thought that added quite a bit of authenticity to the overall appeal of the book. It was interesting to learn more about the Bangladesh culture and the coming of age of a setting so old.
Paige U wrote this review Friday, January 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
-paige”
“I started this book and almost abandoned it, but persisted and found myself caught up in the life of Rehana, a widow living with her two grown children in Pakistan. The details of Rehana's life, her courage and her devotion to her children became very real to me, and I was riveted to the book until the last sentence. It's set in the period when the Bengali population of Pakistan (I'm vague on the history, so I can't remember whether it is East Pakistan or West Pakistan that became Bangladesh)rose up to demand representation in the government. Their resistance was put down violently and harshly. Rehana's children are involved in the resistance, and instead of begging them not to get involved because it's dangerous, Rehana supports them in big ways (she lets her son's cadre stay in her home and store weapons there) and small ways (she cooks for them). I was moved by Rehana's love for her children and the way she cared for others (a wounded soldier, her neighbors). The book has a lot of detail about what the characters where, and descriptions of the food Rehana cooks. Most books that involve war do not have a happy outcome, and this one is no exception. It was bittersweet.”
Suzanne F wrote this review Friday, January 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
0 of 65535 members found this review helpful“Good story, well told, with depth of character and complexity of ideas. I particularly liked it because I spent time in Bangladesh, so much of it had a very familiar feel.”
Bill wrote this review Friday, March 28 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
