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A review by _head_full_of_books_
Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Originally written in Hindi by Geentanjali Shree and translated in English by Daisy Rockwell @shreedaisy , Tomb of Sand explores the traumatic impact of India Pakistan partition. A sad event in the history of the Southeast Asian continent that left many separated from their families, friends, and homes. The story also touches on feminism, climate change, politics, and our modern way of living.
Tomb of Sand is an ‘acquired taste’ sort of book. You might stop reading it after the first 100 pages (like I did when I picked it last year). If you persevere the 700+ pages, the writing will grow on you. You will find that the meandering tale is bordered with unusual side characters described in the most artistic way possible. Don’t let the word border fool you. Border is not supposed to be restrictive but adorning the edge. As Ma says in Tomb of Sand, “A border increases recognition. Where two sides meet and both flourish. A border ornaments their meeting.” This tale is of Ma, an octogenarian who rediscovers youth, and who is determined to return from whence she came. But the tale encompasses within it everything around it – family, home, walls, door, crows, sunshine, rainbow … everything you can think of. It weaves them in Ma’s story and pushes past the border.
Ma insists on retuning to Pakistan so Ma’s daughter, Beti, an independent woman, crosses the partition drawn border with her. What ensues after that is a shocking revelation for Beti. There’s not a lot I can reveal without giving out spoilers.
The plot moves slowly, almost sidelined by the beautiful prose. I loved that for a select few lines in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Sanskrit, the English translation has the original text and its English translation. They add depth to the story and also shows how commendable the work of the translator is. Translation is not easy.
Tomb of Sand requires patience and time. Give it that and it will reward you with a tale and wordplay you will never forget. If you made it this far, thank you!
Tomb of Sand is my pick for a book by BIPOC author for the #bigbookreading2023 challenge by @time4reading. Thank you, Harper Collins Canada, for my e-copy.
Tomb of Sand is an ‘acquired taste’ sort of book. You might stop reading it after the first 100 pages (like I did when I picked it last year). If you persevere the 700+ pages, the writing will grow on you. You will find that the meandering tale is bordered with unusual side characters described in the most artistic way possible. Don’t let the word border fool you. Border is not supposed to be restrictive but adorning the edge. As Ma says in Tomb of Sand, “A border increases recognition. Where two sides meet and both flourish. A border ornaments their meeting.” This tale is of Ma, an octogenarian who rediscovers youth, and who is determined to return from whence she came. But the tale encompasses within it everything around it – family, home, walls, door, crows, sunshine, rainbow … everything you can think of. It weaves them in Ma’s story and pushes past the border.
Ma insists on retuning to Pakistan so Ma’s daughter, Beti, an independent woman, crosses the partition drawn border with her. What ensues after that is a shocking revelation for Beti. There’s not a lot I can reveal without giving out spoilers.
The plot moves slowly, almost sidelined by the beautiful prose. I loved that for a select few lines in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Sanskrit, the English translation has the original text and its English translation. They add depth to the story and also shows how commendable the work of the translator is. Translation is not easy.
Tomb of Sand requires patience and time. Give it that and it will reward you with a tale and wordplay you will never forget. If you made it this far, thank you!
Tomb of Sand is my pick for a book by BIPOC author for the #bigbookreading2023 challenge by @time4reading. Thank you, Harper Collins Canada, for my e-copy.