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anusha_reads 's review for:
By the Sea
by Abdulrazak Gurnah
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
BY THE SEA, ABDULRAZAK GURNAH, LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKERPRIZE 2001
This book is somewhat tougher to read compared to Dottie and Paradise, primarily due to its nonlinear narrative. Both Dottie and Paradise follow a more linear structure.
By the Sea delves into the lives of two individuals: Saleh Omar, an elderly asylum seeker in England, and Latif Mahmud, a younger man with whom he shares a complex past. Fragmented memories, exile, displacement, identity, and loss form the crux of the novel's themes.
We often judge others based on brief interactions. However, people are often victims of their circumstances, making decisions—some good - some bad—out of necessity rather than deliberation.
One confusing aspect of the book was its narration. At times, it was difficult to discern who was speaking, as the first-person perspective often lacked clear attribution for long stretches.
Set in the late 20th century, the novel vividly portrays the lingering impact of colonialism. It shifts between Zanzibar and England, with its fragmented narrative perhaps symbolizing the disconnection and disorientation of lives shaped by exile.
The mood of the novel is sombre and melancholic, making it a heavy read. I found Saleh's story particularly heart-rending, and one cannot help but feel deeply for his losses.
One aspect of any book that draws me toward it is its portrayal of books. Latif, portrayed as a lover of literature, is seen reading many classics. I really loved that part!
Of the three books by Gurnah that I have read, I enjoyed Dottie the most.
This book is somewhat tougher to read compared to Dottie and Paradise, primarily due to its nonlinear narrative. Both Dottie and Paradise follow a more linear structure.
By the Sea delves into the lives of two individuals: Saleh Omar, an elderly asylum seeker in England, and Latif Mahmud, a younger man with whom he shares a complex past. Fragmented memories, exile, displacement, identity, and loss form the crux of the novel's themes.
We often judge others based on brief interactions. However, people are often victims of their circumstances, making decisions—some good - some bad—out of necessity rather than deliberation.
One confusing aspect of the book was its narration. At times, it was difficult to discern who was speaking, as the first-person perspective often lacked clear attribution for long stretches.
Set in the late 20th century, the novel vividly portrays the lingering impact of colonialism. It shifts between Zanzibar and England, with its fragmented narrative perhaps symbolizing the disconnection and disorientation of lives shaped by exile.
The mood of the novel is sombre and melancholic, making it a heavy read. I found Saleh's story particularly heart-rending, and one cannot help but feel deeply for his losses.
One aspect of any book that draws me toward it is its portrayal of books. Latif, portrayed as a lover of literature, is seen reading many classics. I really loved that part!
Of the three books by Gurnah that I have read, I enjoyed Dottie the most.