The Good Muslim
Tahmima Anam
August 2011
304 pages
Published by HarperCollins
Purchased by me, in the last days of Borders 
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This book ended my spate of meh-ness. After a string of books that didn’t do much for me, I picked up this baby (okay, mostly because of the beautiful cover, but also because I’d never read a book set in Bangladesh) and got sucked into a story set in Bangladesh. The story alternates between time periods, although the characters remain the same. Maya and Sohail are siblings who supported (and in Sohail’s case, fought in) Bangladesh’s war for independence. However, after independence, the siblings take radically different paths. When Sohail embraces religion, Maya cannot come to terms with her brother’s change, and she leaves the family to wander, and ultimately become a village doctor. Years later, Maya returns home after the death of her equally religious sister-in-law. Still confounded by her brother’s views, Maya becomes determined to intervene in the life of her young nephew, who she feels is not being afforded the education and care he deserves. The siblings struggle (passive-aggressively) over the young boy until Maya eventually gains a greater understanding of the choices her brother has made.
While I don’t understands conservative religious views, either, I did struggle with Maya’s seeming disinterest in why her brother turned to religion. The family has a lot of secrets, and no one is very forthcoming about why they do what they. It takes years of separation and tragedy for the siblings to gain an understanding of each other, and although I hesitate to use the word respect, to at least stop dismissing each other’s choices.
Although at times confusing, this books offers a brief glimpse into Bangladeshi life, both immediately following the civil war, and years after independence. It touches on some of the political turmoil of the country, and left me googling Bangladesh to fill in some of the gaps. It also doesn’t go into detail about religion…Sohail is religious, and appears disinterested in secular life, but beyond some of the daily religious practices there’s not much commentary on his religion. It’s obvious Maya disagrees with Sohail’s choices, but I never got a good understanding of why she But that’s okay with me. Sometimes it’s nice to not be preached at. (Although the brief foray into the world of madrassas wasn’t very positive.)
Okay, I’m rambling. Despite the lack of some things, I do appreciate it when author’s don’t spend all their time on religious and political backstory, because, you know, there are lots of people who aren’t Americans who are largely ignorant about the culture and geography of other places (and while I do consider myself fairly up on geography, I know jack shit about political history).
Oops, still rambling.
Let’s just say I liked this book. A lot. But if you read it, know going into it that there will be large chunks Bangladeshi history that will remain a mystery.
Were you aware that this is actually the sequel to the book A Golden Age? I really enjoyed that novel and am looking forward to The Good Muslim. I have actually seen several reviews from people who didn’t know it was a sequel, so I thought I’d just let you know. It’s always kind of strange reading backwards in a series but I think because you liked The Good Muslim you will really enjoy A Golden Age as well!
How did I not know this??Argh!!
Yes, please read A Golden Age! I read that a couple of years ago and then this one when it was published this year and loved them both. Apparently there will be a third book to follow set in the modern era. I knew nothing about Anam but saw her talk at a literary festival and she came across so eloquently that I just had to get her book. That’s one of the reasons why I like literary festivals, they introduce you to authors whom you may not otherwise pick to read.
I’ve heard good things about this one and will probably read it for my Middle East Challenge next year
I agree, the cover is beautiful. It’s always nice when you are able to find a book that breaks you out of a string of mediocre books.
After reading your review and the comments, it sounds like I should start with A Golden Age.
I’ve heard good things about this book, but am not entirely convinced yet…
I bet it it came with a chocolate bookmark, you’d change your mind right quick.
I hadn’t heard a lot about this book, but it seems like it would make for an interesting read for me, what with the very contrasting lives of the siblings. I am glad to hear that you really enjoyed this one and that it helped to break you out of your reading doldrums. This was a really thoughtful review. Thanks for sharing it with us!
It seems I’m not the only one with the reading blahs. I haven’t found the book to haul me out of mine though. This book sounds intriguing. I see it’s a sequel so I’m off to see what the first one was about. And I do love that cover – very nice.
I’ve heard really great things about this book but hearing that it’s a sequel i’ll probably pass for now- more of a commitment than I’m up for. But I appreciate your thoughts on it!
“The Last Days of Borders.” That sounds like a title for a literary fiction books of some sort.
I didn’t know this is a sequel either until now! I got an ARC of this one by mistake (I requested something else and got sent this) so haven’t read it yet… but now may read it sometime in the future… maybe should read the first one first?!
I love the cover and what you said about this one. I am trying to find a library in our system with an audio version of this one. Sounds great.
I read her other book for the same reasons–Bangledesh and pretty cover. Ok, truthfully it was for book club but that’s neither here nor there. I was very meh about it, too. Actually, I can’t even think of the title!
This one awaits me from my overcrowded shelves. I bought it because, uh, it was pretty. (Which is absolutely a valid reason to buy a book.) Yours is the first review I’ve seen, and from what you’ve said it sounds like a book I’ll most likely enjoy.
For those of you who haven’t read it yet, please read ‘A Golden Age’ first. It gives you much of the background that softdrink found missing in A Good Muslim – i.e. about the war of independence with Pakistan which is pretty crucial to the story. It gives you the historical perspective needed to enjoy this book even more.
My review is here if you need more convincing! http://packabook.com/blog/1004/i-could-not-stop-crying-the-good-muslim-by-tahmima-anam/
This sounds like a worthwhile read. I will have to look into it!