You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
anusha_reads 's review for:
Paradise by Gurnah, Abdulrazak New Edition
by Abdulrazak Gurnah, Abdulrazak Gurnah
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
PARADISE, ABDULRAZAK GURNAH, SHORTLISTED FOR BOOKER PRIZE 1994
PRIZE MOTIVATION: “FOR HIS UNCOMPROMISING AND COMPASSIONATE PENETRATION OF THE EFFECTS OF COLONIALISM AND THE FATE OF THE REFUGEE IN THE GULF BETWEEN CULTURES AND CONTINENTS” – as quoted on the Nobel Prize website.
While Dottie, the first book I read by Abdulrazak Gurnah, revolves around the titular girl, Paradise tells the story of a boy named Yusuf.
Yusuf is sold off at the age of 12, as his father is unable to pay his debts, to the man whom Yusuf fondly calls Uncle Aziz.
‘UNCLE AZIZ GAVE OFF A STRANGE AND UNUSUAL ODOUR, A MIXTURE OF HIDE AND PERFUME, AND GUMS AND SPICES, AND ANOTHER LESS DEFINABLE SMELL WHICH MADE YUSUF THINK OF DANGER.’
‘UNCLE AZIZ GAVE HIM, WITHOUT FAIL, A TEN ANNA PIECE EVERY TIME HE STOPPED WITH THEM.’
Did you know the region we now know as Kenya and Tanzania used Rupees and Annas as currency during British colonial rule?
The handsome Yusuf comes across as a quiet, sensitive, bright, and observant boy who is taught the tricks of the trade by another boy named Khalil. Deep down, Yusuf admires everything about Uncle Aziz. Though the topic of selling a boy is rather poignant, Yusuf exudes eagerness and does not appear tormented throughout the story.
Yusuf joins Uncle Aziz and his crew on a trading expedition, during which he learns not only about trade but also about cultures, customs, love, hatred, and morality. The journey takes them through jungles, where they endure mosquito bites, fend off insects, and protect themselves from snakes and other dangers. As the story progresses, a deep sense of colonialism looms in the background of Africa. The narrative highlights superstitions, cultural differences, and conversations among merchants of Indian and African origin, depicting divergent opinions on various aspects of life.
Paradise is an evocative tale that brilliantly weaves Yusuf’s personal story with the broader history of the continent. Through its rich narrative and profound exploration of themes like colonialism, culture, and survival, it offers readers an unforgettable journey. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.
PRIZE MOTIVATION: “FOR HIS UNCOMPROMISING AND COMPASSIONATE PENETRATION OF THE EFFECTS OF COLONIALISM AND THE FATE OF THE REFUGEE IN THE GULF BETWEEN CULTURES AND CONTINENTS” – as quoted on the Nobel Prize website.
While Dottie, the first book I read by Abdulrazak Gurnah, revolves around the titular girl, Paradise tells the story of a boy named Yusuf.
Yusuf is sold off at the age of 12, as his father is unable to pay his debts, to the man whom Yusuf fondly calls Uncle Aziz.
‘UNCLE AZIZ GAVE OFF A STRANGE AND UNUSUAL ODOUR, A MIXTURE OF HIDE AND PERFUME, AND GUMS AND SPICES, AND ANOTHER LESS DEFINABLE SMELL WHICH MADE YUSUF THINK OF DANGER.’
‘UNCLE AZIZ GAVE HIM, WITHOUT FAIL, A TEN ANNA PIECE EVERY TIME HE STOPPED WITH THEM.’
Did you know the region we now know as Kenya and Tanzania used Rupees and Annas as currency during British colonial rule?
The handsome Yusuf comes across as a quiet, sensitive, bright, and observant boy who is taught the tricks of the trade by another boy named Khalil. Deep down, Yusuf admires everything about Uncle Aziz. Though the topic of selling a boy is rather poignant, Yusuf exudes eagerness and does not appear tormented throughout the story.
Yusuf joins Uncle Aziz and his crew on a trading expedition, during which he learns not only about trade but also about cultures, customs, love, hatred, and morality. The journey takes them through jungles, where they endure mosquito bites, fend off insects, and protect themselves from snakes and other dangers. As the story progresses, a deep sense of colonialism looms in the background of Africa. The narrative highlights superstitions, cultural differences, and conversations among merchants of Indian and African origin, depicting divergent opinions on various aspects of life.
Paradise is an evocative tale that brilliantly weaves Yusuf’s personal story with the broader history of the continent. Through its rich narrative and profound exploration of themes like colonialism, culture, and survival, it offers readers an unforgettable journey. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.