Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Review # 128: American Dervish: A Novel by Ayad Akhtar

Description:
     A coming-of-age story about Hayat Shah, a young Pakistani-American who falls in love with his mother's oldest friend, Mina, after she immigrates to America. Mina's life is in shambles after an abusive relationship and a disgraceful divorce in Pakistan, so she and her infant son move in with the Shah's for a fresh start; but she has no idea of teenage Hayat's growing feelings, or what might happen when she starts dating Nathan, a Jewish man. 
Review:

     Ayad Akhtar's American Dervish is a beautifully emotional look into being a young Muslim in America. I love the writing style as well as the cast of characters, (especially Hayat, Mina, and Nathan), who mix innocence, religion, romance, betrayal, and regret to create unforgettable stories. I also enjoy the descriptive dialogue and its powerful emotional punches. The plot is well-written, but has mild predictability, not enough to discourage readers, although there are a few chapters that seem bulky. Overall, I feel that this book is definitely worth the read and I learned - and felt, a lot about the characters and their situations. Recommended for teens through adults.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from Little, Brown, and Company in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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