Historical Fiction: The English Problem by Beena Kamlani

The title of this week's DSN is what initially made me curious, and after discovering that it was set during the Indian independence movement, I decided I needed to know more. Beena Kamlani's The English Problem chronicles a tumultuous period in a young man's life as he is given the honorable but difficult task of leaving his home in India to become a lawyer and help his country win independence from the English.

The Situation: Shiv Advani is a young man with an incredibly promising future, which is evidenced by the fact that he has been chosen by Mahatma Ghandi himself to help lead India in its fight to win independence from the British. To achieve this, the plan is to have Shiv leave his home of Sind, India and travel to live and study in London. He is to learn the British laws, become a lawyer, and then help in the fight to have the British leave India. Naturally, being away from home will be hard, especially since shortly before his departure, Shiv's parents insist he get married and leave behind a pregnant wife, therefore ensuring he will return as soon as he can. But there is also the uphill battle he is supposed to be helping with, as well as the difficulty of being a dark-skinned man in 1930s London.

The Problem: The seemingly straightforward directive that Shiv has been given of entering English society, learning its laws, and then returning home turns out to be not so simple. And the longer that Shiv is away from India, the easier he finds it to stay away, even with a wife and son waiting for him. On the surface, he is doing exactly what has been expected of him, becoming a brilliant lawyer and making many important connections. But every step towards progress is not without its dangers, and every suspicious glance and tense confrontation adds a touch of anger and resentment. With his parents, his superiors, even Ghandi making it clear what they want him to do, Shiv struggles to find his own path that will hopefully be in service to his home country, and also make him happy.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that is mostly set between the years of 1931 and 1941 in London, England, but also aboard a ship bound for India in the latter part of 1941. Shiv has been selected by Ghandi to help India win its independence from Britain, and the story details his initial arrival in the new country, his education, his expanding social circle, and the conflict he feels regarding his duty to the cause, his duty to his parents and wife back home, and his duty to himself. There is much discussion of the pull Shiv feels to be the perfect Indian son and fulfill his parent's wishes, while also wanting to find his own path, and knowing he is disappointing his father and mother by doing so. And while India fights for independence, World Ward II is also on the horizon.

My Verdict: This novel is complicated and has several layers, as does the different conflicts and issues that are discussed within it. Shiv is a young man who has been put in a near impossible position, and is asked to make the most difficult of decisions, while also carrying the burden of being a key piece in his country's search for independence. Unfortunately, the complexity of the narrative does not quite make up for the slow pace, especially in the beginning and end, and while sympathizing with Shiv is easy, liking him and cheering him on is not. The book is certainly informative, but not exactly interesting, and the ending feels incomplete, as well as a copout. 

Favorite Moment: Although they made up for a small percentage of the book, I most enjoyed the moments on the ship in 1941 as Shiv is making his way back to India.

Favorite Character: Mairi is Shiv's nurse onboard The Empress of Scotland and has her own story that may merit a novel of its own.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Babel by R.F. Kuang.

Young Adult Fiction: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Picking up Suzanne Collins' fifth Hunger Games book was an easy decision to make, and I knew I would want to talk about Sunrise on the Reaping as soon as it came out. The background and history of Haymitch Abernathy, the only living victor from District 12 at the beginning of the series, is something readers have wanted since the first book came out. While a short explanation of his situation was offered by Katniss, readers have always wanted the full story, so here it is.

The Situation: It is the day of the reaping. The 50th Hunger Games is fast approaching, and it is time for the tributes to be chosen from each of the 12 districts. But it is also Haymitch Abernathy's 16th birthday. It is unfortunate that his birthday and reaping day are one and the same, but Haymitch gets up, gets ready, and heads out with all of the children. He can only hope that the event will pass, and he will be able to resume life as usual, and best of all, hang out with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. But this year's reaping will be a little different as this year is the Quarter Quell, which means twice as many tributes will be selected: Four girls and four boys will represent each district in this annual fight to the death. The odds are not in his favor, and Haymitch knows it.

The Problem: When Haymitch ends up as a tribute, he and his three fellow District 12 tributes make their way to the Capitol, each one knowing full well that they have little chance of making it back home. It becomes clear to Haymitch that everyone, from the other tributes to the Capitol team that has been put in charge of them, view District 12 as a joke at worst, and an afterthought at best. But almost immediately, Haymitch manages to draw President Snow's attention in the worst way possible, putting himself in danger, as well as anyone he gets close to. And even with the knowledge that the Capitol is always watching, Haymitch decides he wants to fight, not only in this games, but in a way that affects the future of the games. With everything against him, it will be an uphill battle.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in the dystopian country of Panem, which is made up of 12 districts, and the Capitol that controls them. This book takes place 24 years before the first book in the series, which first debuted back in 2008, and 40 years after 2020's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Completely from Haymitch's point of view, readers learn about him, his family, and the family of his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. There is some discussion regarding the past games and what the arenas were like, as well as how this story links up with some of the history and events from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This book, much likes is predecessors, explores themes of oppression, the effects of war, and government manipulation. 

My Verdict: It is a daunting task to write a book where the readers of the original series already know how it ends. But as I said before, this is the story many readers have been wanting since the first book came out in 2008. And it contains the same heaviness, and darkness, and tension, but with the slightest and slimmest threads of hope and defiance, even though many know what is going to happen. Readers get to see Haymitch before his own experience in the games, before he becomes the ornery man so many of us love, while also getting yet more background and more answers about Panem, as the book brings together details from the previous four books. And once again, Collins does not shy away from the grim and gruesome stuff, but she does not wallow in it either. 

Favorite Moment: The moments when Haymitch is getting used to the arena he has been thrown into and attempting to get his bearings are not only entertaining, but also informative as to just how sinister these games are. 

Favorite Character: Maysilee is one of the female tributes from District 12, and while she was previously known to be privileged and stuck-up, her actions in the arena prove there is more to her than Haymitch had previously thought. 

Recommended Reading: George Orwell's 1984 is a great book for an introduction into dystopian fiction. 

Contemporary Fiction: Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

Back in 2022 (which was three years ago if you can believe it), Black Cake was one of those books that was on all the lists, and has even been adapted into a drama series on Hulu. Now, Charmaine Wilkerson has released her second novel, Good Dirt, which follows a woman whose life has been defined by one childhood tragedy, though there is much more to her and her family's story.

The Situation: Ebony "Ebby" Freeman is used to being in the spotlight, unfortunately. In 2000, when she was only ten years old, her 15 year-old brother Baz was shot and killed in their home during a robbery gone wrong. The crime was never solved, the murderers never caught, and the media continues to run stories about it, always ready to point out that Ebby's family is one of the few Black family's in the neighborhood, and that the area is usually not prone to this kind of crime. Now, at 29 years old, Ebby is ready to start a new chapter in her life, only to be stood up on her wedding day. This will most certainly kick off another round of media attention as Ebby figures out what to do next.

The Problem: What comes next for Ebby is a trip to France, mostly in an effort to get away from everything, but possibly as the beginning of a new start. Turns out running from the past is not that easy, even with an ocean between the Connecticut community where everything happened and where she is now. When Ebby remains committed to what she is doing in France, despite any unwanted guests, she also turns her focus to something else her family lost when Baz was killed, and that was an over 100 year-old handmade jar passed down in her family for generations. Handcrafted by an enslaved ancestor, the jar's history could be what helps Ebby move forward, in more ways than she even imagined.

Genre, Themes, History: This novel is a work of fiction that many have placed in the historical fiction category since some of the story takes place in the 1800s, detailing the creation of the old stoneware jar and Ebby's family history. With Ebby as the main focus, the book has many narrators, and jumps back and forth through time, telling the story from as far back in history as the 1820s, to as recent as the lockdown of the pandemic that kept many people at home. Ebby's story is an exploration of how one major event can define the rest of someone's life, despite many efforts to move beyond it, and how different members of the same family attempt to handle a tragedy. 

My Verdict: This novel offers a lot to chew on and think about. There is the defining tragedy of Ebby's life, which is the death of her brother and the loss of the jar. But then there is the wedding that never happened. Adding the history of the jar as well as Ebby's family would have been plenty for one book, but more characters keep entering the picture as other details emerge, and I had to wonder just how far down this rabbit hole could the book possibly go in less than 350 pages. Wilkerson does manage to pull everything together, and the myriad of voices and details does make for a story that is almost never boring.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when Ebby's mother does something to another character that is completely unexpected, given how she is normally both composed and gracious. But even her husband has to laugh when it happens, though it does scare him a little. 

Favorite Character: Granny Freeman does not have a large role in the book, be she offers a reality check to Ebby that may seem harsh, but Ebby cannot argue against it. One of Ebby's father's friends, Harris, also does not have a large role, but his few appearances are memorable and refreshing.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Wilkerson's Black Cake, naturally, but I also recommend Deacon King Kong by James McBride. 

Science Fiction: Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

The excitement I had over the release of Nnedi Okorafor's Death of the Author was much greater than the amount of excitement I usually experience over a science fiction book. This one promised to be much more than a story about a strange and maybe not-so-far-off future filled with AI and robots. There was also mention of complicated family dynamics, and at the center of everything is a writer who achieves her dream of publishing her work, and everything that comes with sudden meteoric success.

The Situation: As the second-oldest of six in a large and loud Nigerian family, Zelu is prepared for the controlled chaos that is sure to occur while attending her younger sister's wedding. She expects the looks, stares, and glances because of her wheelchair, and even the rude and ill-conceived comments from relatives over her disability. What she does not expect is to be fired from her adjunct faculty position over the phone, and then to receive news of her latest novel being rejected. But something in Zelu opens up, allowing her to begin writing something completely new. And when she sends it to her agent, he loves it, along with everyone else who gets their hands on it, bringing Zelu the literary success she has been chasing.

The Problem: As Rusted Robots takes the world by storm, Zelu suddenly has more money than she could have ever dreamed of, and is recognized practically everywhere she goes. But of course, with the good reviews come the negative ones, and once the movie adaptation hits theaters, what follows is the constant nagging for a second book. And then there is Zelu's family, who can never quite seem to understand her, or simply be happy for her, no matter what she accomplishes. As the book begins to take on a life of its own, Zelu's success takes her on a very different path that she ever could have imagined.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel that is actually more like two books in one. There is Zelu's story as a Nigerian-American woman who finds success as a writer while living in Chicago. Then there is the book she writes, Rusted Robots, that catapults her to fame. Zelu's story focuses heavily on her family, her disability, and of course, her career and experience as a writer. In Rusted Robots, humanity is long gone, and what they have left behind is an earth inhabited by several different types of robots and AI. And the science fiction aspects of the book are not relegated to the story within the story. With Zelu's literary fame comes opportunities she never would have imagined, and they make implications as to the direction humanity could be headed.

My Verdict: On the cover of the copy of my book is a quote by George R. R. Martin claiming that this book "has it all," and I see what he means. The book within a book contains a compelling science fiction adventure, written by a woman who is impulsive, stubborn, proud, afraid, creative, and simply wishing to be free to live her own life, while surrounded by a family that will loudly judge and criticize every move she makes. It is a concept that takes a lot of guts to tackle, but Okorafor goes for it and the results are worth the risk. This book will appeal to more than only science fiction lovers, as many will relate to the complex family dynamics, and the struggles for creative success.

Favorite Moment: While it is actually a frustrating moment, there is a phone call Zelu receives from the department chair that fired her that is more relatable than it should be.

Favorite Character: Msizi is a man Zelu meets at her sister's wedding, and who remains as part of her life throughout the book. Successful in his own industry, he is a great support for Zelu, but also not afraid to tell her the truth.

Recommended Reading: There are three primary books in Okorafor's Binti series, and all three are relatively short, the longest containing only 203 pages.

Young Adult Fiction: Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

It would not be accurate to say that I was only merely excited to tackle the second book in Isabel Ibañez's Secrets of the Nile series, Where the Library Hides. The first book, What the River Knows, ended on such a cliffhanger, that I am actually grateful to be able to pick up the second book right away...so you readers who hate to wait for the next book in a series after a tense ending in the previous one, you have been warned. Also, I will go ahead and issue a *spoiler alert* for this review. I will do my best to avoid spoiling crucial information from the first book, but I cannot guarantee anything.

The Situation: After traveling to Egypt, all the way from her home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Inez has learned and been through quite a bit. While the news of her parents' death may have bought her to the Nile, it is the discoveries she has made since that make her so desperate to stay. Even after finding herself in many dangerous situations - some of which have been of her making - Inez is determined to discover the truth about what is really going on, not to mention the one thing that seemingly everyone wants to know, and that is if Cleopatra's tomb and all its treasures can be found. The answers seem so close, but there are still so many secrets in her way.

The Problem: Unfortunately for Inez, while her parents' death may mean she has inherited their fortune, she cannot access any of it without the permission of her Tío Ricardo. It is the 19th century after all. And following everything that has happened so far, he has demanded that his niece return to Argentina at once. Inez has no choice but to comply, unless she were to marry, and quickly. Much to her surprise, the opportunity presents itself in the form of the handsome, but mysterious, Whitford Hayes. Whit may be Tío Ricard's trusted assistant, and someone Inez has also come to trust and perhaps see as more than a friend, but he has his own hidden reasons for wanting to stay in Egypt. But Inez has not found what she is looking for, and the list of people she can trust and rely on will not stop shrinking.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult historical fiction book, once again set in Egypt, just like the first book. After the intense events of the previous installment, the book opens with Inez having to make a crucial decision, perhaps the biggest one of her life, with little time to carefully consider what her decision should be. The character of Inez had already been set up to be someone who is brave, though impulsive, and too easily launches herself headlong into trouble. And once again, she is attempting to traverse Egypt as it was in the middle of the 19th century, with explorers eagerly and greedily excavating the land, looking for riches and artifacts to hoard, smuggle, or sell, and with many of them being willing to do whatever it takes to make their fortune.

My Verdict: Taking on a book series, no matter how long or short, is always a gamble. There have been a few occasions on this blog where I have started a book series but decided not finish. And then there are even stand alone books that I have read, but lost the interest to write about or mention at all, usually because I did not enjoy them and simply wanted to move on. Not only am I glad to have started this series, but as I mentioned in the introduction, I was happy to be able to pick up this second book right away. It is somehow even more tense (emphasis on the word 'somehow') than the first, and I was looking forward to moments when I could pick it up again, whether it be a lunch break, while waiting for the laundry, or for a cake to bake, or the dough to rise...whatever. It is intriguing, it is exciting, and it is an adventure readers will not forget.

Favorite Moment: In both books, readers get small moments from Whit's point of view. In this book, those moments are slightly longer and give more of his history, and I was glad for them.

Favorite Character: Whit can be tough to like at times...most of them, in fact. So I will make him share this section with Tío Ricardo, who also has plenty of unlikable moments.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Babel by R.F. Kuang, which is a different kind of adventure involving magic and history. 

Young Adult Fiction: What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

After learning that author Isabel Ibañez would be appearing at this year's LibraryPalooza (though she sadly ended up having to cancel the appearance), I decided it was time to tackle her Secrets of the Nile series, starting with What the River Knows. A young girl learns about the deaths of her parents, and finds herself in the Egyptian desert chasing both forgotten magic, and dangerous secrets.

The Situation: On the surface, Inez Olivera has a life many would envy. As part of the upper society in Buenos Aires, Inez lives a life of luxury and relative ease, with little to worry about. Unfortunately, it is not the life she wants, as she has always dreamed of being able to join her parents in Egypt, where they have spent at least six months of every year for her entire life. After constantly asking if she can join them, and always being told "no" because it is too dangerous, Inez awaits the arrival of a letter that she hopes will finally have the answer she has always wanted. But the letter contains a different kind of news altogether: It seems her parents have perished in the desert, leaving her incredibly rich, but devastated. Against everyone's wishes, she decides to travel to Egypt herself and learn what happened.

The Problem: Inez manages to make it to Egypt, only to be told upon arrival that she must go back. It seems her archeologist uncle agrees with her parents' argument that Inez should not be in Egypt. But after managing to escape his watchful gaze more than once, which means frustrating and deceiving his handsome British assistant Whit, Tío Ricardo finally agrees to letting her stay after she proves to be useful, in more ways than one. Not only is Inez a gifted artist and can help sketch detailed depictions of what is found at the dig site, but she is sensitive to the magic that can still be felt in some of the places and items. This will help Tío Ricardo's team find what they are looking for, and hopefully before their rivals do. But the more discoveries Inez makes, both at the site and about her parents, the more the danger increases, as does her determination.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult historical fiction novel set mostly along the Nile River in 1800s Egypt. Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Inez is living comfortably with her aunt and two cousins, the only thing missing from her life being the presence of her parents. Once she learns about their death, she defies everyone's wishes and leaves for Egypt, only to encounter resistance, and a seemingly endless amount of secrets. Her uncle knows something, but is not telling, which only makes Inez more determined to stay in Egypt and learn the truth. With her parents' deaths being Inez's main driving force, there is also the larger situation that was taking place in 1800s Egypt, which was experiencing colonial expansion and imperial rule, while artifacts and valuables were being taken from temples, monuments, and tombs. And then there is a subtle hint of magic underlying everything, and that serves as Inez's guide.

My Verdict: This book is a combination of adventure, magic, and romance that so many readers crave. Not only is the protagonist traveling up and down the Nile River in an attempt to find priceless artifacts, but those artifacts often contain magic, as do the places where they are found. And then there is the constant back and forth, and romantic tension between Inez and Whit. The secrets are endless, as are also the discoveries, and every new twist opens up more possibilities, and unanswered questions. Inez's stubbornness and resolve are at once delightful, while also frustrating, as she ceaselessly makes massive mistakes. Then again, feelings of desperation and neglect makes people do reckless things. Ibañez allows this story to go places, where many authors would probably have held back.

Favorite Moment: Whit attempts to put Inez on a return ship back to Argentina only moments after she arrives in Egypt. But she makes a big gamble and finds a way to stay, which both impresses and frustrates her uncle's assistant.

Favorite Character: This is tough, because everyone in this book is hiding something, almost no one can be trusted, and Inez cannot seem to keep herself out of trouble. Isadora is the daughter of a man Tío Ricardo hired as a sort of security guard, and while there is certainly more to her than what is shown, she seems to truly be on Inez's side and comes to her aid more than once.

Recommended Reading: On a Night of a Thousand Stars by Andrea Yaryura Clark is a historical fiction novel also set in Argentina, moving back and forth between the past and present.

Nonfiction: Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg

Actress Whoopi Goldberg has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, but this is the first time I have picked one up. Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me caught my attention because of its focus on Goldberg's early life, and her experience growing up with her mother, Emma Johnson, and her older brother Clyde. From what life was like as a child in New York City, to her rise in Hollywood, Goldberg share intimate, and sometimes painful memories of the people who helped shape her.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly moves chronologically through Goldberg's life and career. Starting in the Chelsea projects in Manhattan, Goldberg describes her life living with only her mother and brother, while attending Catholic school (with the uniform and everything), and not having very much, although she did not realize she was poor, not when she was a kid. Her mother was the type of person who simply made everything work. Goldberg then moves through her teens and the start of her career, mentioning shows and movie titles that many will recognize. And eventually, the narrative talks about Emma's death in 2010, and Clyde's in 2015, and the grief that comes with having the two most important people in your life suddenly not be there. 

My Verdict: There is a lot packed into a book that is less than 250 pages. The book is not only a memoir detailing Goldberg's life and career, but also an exploration of who her mother was, what she taught her, and her belief that she owes her mother all the credit for what she has been able to accomplish. I found the entire narrative to be fascinating, especially the stories of when Emma met celebrities, and even one president. And of course, there are the high points and pivotal moments of Goldberg's career, such as when she won her Oscar, and how the lead for Sister Act was actually meant for Bette Midler. Finally, many will be moved by Goldberg's final thoughts on grief, and how it is different for everyone. I read the physical copy of this book, but may decide to listen to the audiobook as I am sure it is an incredible experience.

Favorite Moment: The story of when Whoopi, her mother, and her brother all met Marlon Brando is my favorite, though the moment she and her mother met Bill Clinton is a close favorite.

Favorite Quote: "Probably none of us had the childhoods we think we had." - the opening lines of the book.

Recommended Reading: One celebrity memoir that I cannot seem to recommend enough is Steve Martin's Born Standing Up. And I will also recommend Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.